Becoming an Optician: Your Comprehensive Career Guide

Are you considering a career that combines technical expertise with customer service? Becoming an optician might be the perfect fit for you. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pursuing a career in opticianry, from educational requirements to job prospects and beyond.

What is an Optician?

Opticians are the unsung heroes of the vision care world. They serve as the critical link between eye care professionals and patients, ensuring that prescribed vision solutions are accurately implemented. Their responsibilities include:

• Fitting and adjusting eyewear and contact lenses
• Taking precise measurements of ocular areas
• Interpreting and fulfilling prescriptions
• Managing inventory of optical products
• Providing expert advice on eyewear options

As our population ages and awareness of eye health grows, the demand for skilled opticians is on the rise. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in optician employment from 2021 to 2031, keeping pace with the average for all occupations.

How Do You Become an Optician?

Educational Pathways

Preprofessional Education

Your journey begins with a high school diploma or equivalent. Most optician programs require at least one year of math education, particularly algebra or geometry. These math skills are crucial for understanding the technical aspects of opticianry, such as interpreting prescriptions and performing precise measurements.

Professional Education

There are several routes to becoming an optician:

1. Certificate Programs
   • Duration: Typically one year
   • Where: Technical schools, community colleges, and online institutions
   • What you’ll learn: Contact lens fitting, eyeglass fitting, ocular pathology, opticianry sales, and more
2. Associate Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing
   • Duration: Two years
   • What to expect: Coursework, practicals, and written exams
   • Topics covered: Anatomy and physiology of the eye, clinical instruction, geometric optics, ophthalmic materials
3. Apprenticeships
   • Duration: Varies by state, typically one to two years
   • How it works: On-the-job training with a licensed optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist

For a comprehensive list of accredited opticianry programs across the United States, check out the National Federation of Opticianry Schools.

Accredited Optician Programs in the US

Here are some top schools offering accredited optician programs:

1. Raritan Valley Community College
   • Location: 118 Lamington Rd, Branchburg, NJ 08876
   • Program: Ophthalmic Science Program
   • Degree: Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
   • Format: Full-time and part-time options
   • What sets it apart: Hands-on laboratory experience combined with classroom learning
2. Erie Community College
   • Location: 6205 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221
   • Program: Ophthalmic Dispensing Program
   • Degree: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
   • Format: Full-time, two-year program
   • Highlight: Prepares students for New York State licensure
3. Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology
   • Location: 41 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116
   • Program: Opticianry Program
   • Degree: Associate of Science in Opticianry
   • Format: Full-time, two-year program
   • Unique feature: Includes business management coursework

Certification and Licensing: What You Need to Know

State Licensing Requirements

About half of the states in the US require opticians to be licensed. Requirements often include passing both written and practical exams. For example, in New York:

• Candidates must complete education, examination, and experience requirements
• A certificate from the National Academy of Opticianry’s Career Progression Program is mandatory
• Written and practical exams are administered by the Ophthalmic Dispensing Unit or the American Board of Opticianry (ABO)

To find state-specific requirements, visit the Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry website.

National Certifications

Even if your state doesn’t require licensure, national certifications can boost your career prospects:

1. American Board of Opticianry (ABO)
   • Offers the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE)
   • Provides the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE)
2. National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE)
   • Offers certification in contact lens dispensing

The Examination Process

Written Exam

• May be administered by the ABO or your state’s Ophthalmic Dispensing Unit
• In New York, for example, the ABO exam is offered in May and November

Practical Exam

• Taken after passing the written exam
• In New York, it’s offered twice a year through Capitol Hill Testing Service (CHTS)

For more details on exam schedules and registration, check out the American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners website.

Keeping Your Skills Sharp: Continuing Education

Continuing education is crucial for maintaining your license and staying current in the field:

• New York Requirements:
  • 0.5 hours of approved courses each month (18 contact hours over three years)
  • Contact lens practitioners need 20 contact hours, with 10 hours specific to contact lenses
• General Requirements:
  • Many states require continuing education for license renewal
  • 12 credits for ABO certification renewal
  • 18 credits for NCLE certification renewal

The National Academy of Opticianry offers a variety of continuing education courses for opticians.

Essential Skills for Success as an Optician

Technical Prowess

To excel as an optician, you’ll need to master:

• Taking precise measurements for eyeglass frames
• Understanding various contact lens designs
• Interpreting written prescriptions accurately
• Making adjustments to eyewear for optimal fit and comfort

People Skills

Equally important are your soft skills:

• Providing exceptional customer service
• Communicating effectively about eyewear and contact lens options
• Building rapport with clients to ensure satisfaction and loyalty

Career Opportunities and Growth

Where Can You Work?

Opticians find employment in various settings:

• Retail optical stores
• Optometry clinic retail chains
• Private optometry practices
• Medical clinics and hospitals

What’s the Career Outlook?

The future looks bright for opticians. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for opticians was $37,570 in May 2021, with the top 10% earning over $61,370.

Career advancement opportunities include:

• Specializing in contact lens fitting
• Moving into management roles in optical retail
• Opening your own independent optical shop

Tips for a Successful Career in Opticianry

Never Stop Learning

To stay at the top of your game:

• Keep up with industry trends by reading publications like 20/20 Magazine
• Engage in discussions with peers and attend industry conferences
• Learn from your mistakes and continuously refine your skills

Create Positive Customer Experiences

• Focus on building a welcoming environment for clients
• Treat customers as valued individuals, not just patients
• Develop deep knowledge of eyewear brands and styles to provide personalized recommendations

By following this comprehensive guide and continually developing your skills, you can build a rewarding career as an optician, making a real difference in people’s lives by improving their vision and quality of life. Are you ready to take the first step towards becoming an optician? The world of vision care is waiting for you!