After being examined by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, the patient sees an optician whose job it is to:
- Interpret the prescription
- Measure the patient for eyewear
- Help the patient select eyeglass frames or lens colors
- Order the optical laboratory work
- Adjust finished glasses
Fitting a patient for lenses is a task that requires skill and patience. The optician measures the distance between the centers of the pupils to determine the placement of the lenses. Measuring for contacts is more complex. Exact sizes must be ordered, or the patient can experience irritation, and the cornea can be damaged.
Most people think that selecting eyeglass frames is a matter of personal taste. Opticians know that there are more considerations than just style. Information about the patient’s line of work, recreational activities, and lifestyle are factored into the choice, as well as hair coloring and facial features. The weight and thickness of lenses sometimes limits the choices.
Complete contacts and eyeglasses are checked by opticians for the correct power and surface. The frames must frequently be adjusted to fit the patient comfortably, and it is the optician's responsibility to decide if a defective pair of glasses or contacts should be returned to the laboratory.
The tools of the optician's trade are optical pliers, files, and screwdrivers—as well as good judgment, tolerance, and tact.
Some opticians specialize in fitting artificial eyes or cosmetic shells for disfigured eyes. These specialists are called jocularisms. Other opticians become more generalized by becoming experts in nonprescription optical goods like binoculars, magnifying glasses, sunglasses, and recreational or industrial eye protectors.
Working Conditions
Most opticians work for large companies, for themselves, or with ophthalmologists. A few work for optometrists. Private practices are becoming rarer as start-up costs and competition from large chains increases. Most opticians work forty to fifty hours a week. Because they are employed in are tail industry, they often work on weekends and a few evenings a week.
The working conditions are very pleasant. Optical shops are comfortable and attractive. The work is not physically demanding. In fact, it is well suited to older workers or those who are physically handicapped but have the use of their hands and eyes.
Patients are generally relaxed and pleasant to deal with; they are not in pain or anticipating surgery as in the case of ophthalmologists' clients. However, opticians do need to have excellent "people" skills, and they must be effective salespeople.
Education and Training
Although there are several different paths that lead to professional optician, those who have formal training from unaccredited school are in the most demand and command the highest salaries. These programs are approved by the Com-mission on Optician Accreditation and are offered by many community colleges and vocational and trade schools. The college programs lead to an associate's degree.
Applicants for formal ophthalmic dispensing programs must be high school graduates. Preference is given to students who are proficient in math, general sciences, physics, algebra, geometry, and mechanical drawing. Previous experience in a sales or public services job is also desirable.
Course work for the two-year college program generally includes combinations of these topics: Ophthalmic materials and laboratory Principles of optics Anatomy and physiology of the eye, Contact lenses, ophthalmic dispensing, special visual aids, English, psychology, college algebra and trigonometry, technical physics, linear and analytic geometry, chemistry and biology, social science and humanities electives.
Many schools also arrange internships for hands-on training as students approach the end of their classroom work.
Another career pathway is through the large optical chains. People with an interest but no experience in optical work can enroll. Although there is some classroom work, most of the training comes through an on-the-job apprenticeship. In addition to technical training, the apprentices also are instructed on office management, sales, and marketing. They have opportunities to increase their technical expertise by participating in seminars conducted by manufacturers, like the contact lens producers, or by attending special continuing education courses offered by medical schools or professional associations.
Opticians must pass the National Optician Competency Examination in order to practice in one of the twenty-six states that require licensing. The exam was developed byte American Board of Optician (ABO), which also provides a home-study course and certifies those who pass. The written examination is based on job-related information. Attests whether an optician is ready for practice. The Contactless Registry Examination is a similar test of readiness for practicing optician. States that licensed opticians as contact lens dispensers also require passing scores on this examination.
The profession is attempting to increase the scope of practice to possibly include refraction. The newly formed Academy of Optician Perfectionists is leading the effort to increase the responsibilities for which opticians can be licensed.
Salary and Outlook
There are about 63,000 opticians practicing in the United States today. The average earnings of an experienced optician are estimated at about $26,700 per year, although there is a wide range of salaries from the apprentice to the owner of a large shop.
There is already a shortage of opticians, and this demands expected to continue well into the next century. Opticians with associate's degrees will be the most desirable. As optical products such as bifocal and extended wear contacts are developed, opticians with good technical backgrounds will absorb the new techniques more readily. Also, the general public is well informed about the complications caused by wearing contacts that have not been properly fitted. Many have had the experience of making return trips to the "one-stop" superstore because of poorly fitted eyeglasses. Part of the value of optical service is not only competitive pricing but also the quality of safe and trouble-free fitting by a certified professional.
