Job Spotlight: Optician

Do you enjoy learning about the eyes? Do you get excited when you get new glasses or contacts or see someone else sporting their eyewear?

This month’s Job Spotlight blog series dives into what it means to be an optician.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Opticians help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists. The employment of opticians is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030.

Required Education: Most employers hire candidates who have a high school diploma and are willing to learn job skills through on-the-job training. Other opticians decide to complete an education program at a community college or technical school. In the U.S., The Commission on Opticianry Accreditation offers certification for opticians. In Canada, you can also go through similar accredited optician programs.

Pay: Pay varies depending on multiple factors (e.g. experience, geographic area, etc.). According to Salary.com, a Certified Optician’s salary typically ranges from $46,600 to $60,800.

What Do Opticians Do?

Opticians deal with a variety of responsibilities, including but are not limited to:

  • Utilize the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system to input optical orders, and patient information.
  • Understand vision insurance and collect payments from patients.
  • Use prescription information from the doctor and the patient’s preferences, face shape, and other factors to help select the appropriate pair of eyeglasses, frames, and lenses.
  • Give product recommendations to patients based on their vision needs and lifestyle, such as frame construction, lens material, and lens coatings.
  • Take accurate measurements of each patient’s face and optical details to ensure a comfortable and proper fit before ordering frames.
  • Adjust new frames using optical tools for a more accurate fit on the patient’s face when the patient has problems with comfort or poor vision.
  • Maintain a clean and visually appealing daily optical display by organizing the stock of eyeglasses, sunglasses, and accessories.

 

What Do Companies Look for in an Optician?

  • Customer Service
  • Business Oriented
  • Computer Savvy
  • Dexterity
  • Communication
  • Friendliness

 

Examples of similar positions:

Optometrists, Audiologists, and Medical Appliance Technicians

If you need help finding a similar position, we can help.

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, Express Employment Professionals is a leading staffing provider in the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. If you have any questions about Optician jobs in your area or about your job search in general, contact your local Express office, download the ExpressJobs app from your mobile store, or fill out our online contact form.

Comments

    1. Post
      Author
      Asia Johnson

      Hi Philip,

      This blog is ran by Express Employment Professionals. Please reach out to your local Express office to assist you in your job search by clicking here.

      Thank you.

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