How to Become an Optician

An optician's duties include fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses, writing work orders for lab technicians and performing administrative work. This is a career where customer service skills rank high.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Community College Catalogs
• Career Counseling
• Computers
• Online Career Search

1. Find out if your state is one that requires opticians to be licensed. Check out the Opticians Association of America (oaa.org) for further information.
2. Understand that you can receive on-the-job training as an apprentice for two to four years without any related experience. Your employer is likely to be an optometrist, ophthalmologist or an optical retail store. However, be aware that some employers require previous official training before they will hire you.
3. Consider a two-year associate's degree in ophthalmic dispensing or optometric technology, or complete a one-year program, available in some states. Make certain that your choice of training is accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation. Go to "Free Stuff" on the National Academy of Opticianry Web site for a list of approved programs.
4. Ask your school's guidance counselor if your state will permit you to take your licensure exam (if required) upon graduation or if you will first need to gain some experience in the field.
5. Gain experience and then apply for renewable certification from the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). Certified opticians are preferred, even in those states that do not require licensure. Visit the Opticians Association of America Web site for detailed information on certification.
6. Plan to take continuing education classes to renew your certification.

Tips & Warnings

• Take business classes if you want to manage or own an optical store.

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