Optician

Your Fit

Income

$47K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

2.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Optician?

An Optician is a healthcare professional specializing in the fitting and dispensing of eyeglasses and contact lenses, based on prescriptions from optometrists and ophthalmologists. They play a crucial role in helping customers select and adjust eyewear according to their visual needs and preferences.

Sample job titles:

Dispensing Optician, Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO), Licensed Optician, Optician

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Optician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Optician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$34K per year	$38K per year	$47K per year	$60K per year	$73K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $2.94K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Optician do?

Work environment

Opticians primarily work in retail settings, such as optical stores, healthcare facilities, or in private optometrist practices. Their work environment is generally comfortable and involves interaction with customers. Opticians may also spend time in labs, adjusting and repairing eyewear.

Quick task list

Interprets eyewear prescriptions from eye care doctors.
Helps customers select eyeglass frames and lenses.
Adjusts and repairs eyeglasses.
Takes facial measurements to ensure proper fit.
Educates customers on eyewear care and lens options.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Pediatric Opticianry: Specializing in eyewear for children.
Contact Lens Fitting: Expertise in fitting and dispensing contact lenses.
Ophthalmic Dispensing: Focusing on the creation and fitting of complex lens prescriptions.
Low Vision Aids: Specializing in devices that help those with significant vision impairments.
Sports Vision: Focusing on eyewear specifically designed for sports activities.

Description

Opticians are essential in the vision care industry, bridging the gap between eye care professionals and customers. They must have a good understanding of optics to accurately interpret prescriptions and provide suitable eyewear solutions. This role requires technical knowledge about lens materials, frame construction, and the latest trends in eyewear.

Customer service is a significant aspect of an optician's role. They must be adept at understanding customer needs, styling preferences, and comfort requirements. This involves staying updated with fashion trends and new developments in lens technology. Opticians also educate customers on the maintenance and care of eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Attention to detail is crucial, as precision in measurements and adjustments directly impacts the effectiveness and comfort of eyewear. Opticians often work closely with optometrists and ophthalmologists, providing feedback and assistance in patient eye care.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Helping improve customers' vision and daily life.
Combining technical skills with fashion and design elements.
Engaging in personalized customer service and building relationships.

You might make a good Optician if you are...

Interested in both healthcare and fashion.
Detail-oriented, ensuring precise fitting and adjustments of eyewear.
Good at communicating and enjoy interacting with people.
Creative, with an eye for style and design.
Patient and empathetic, able to understand customer needs.

Pros:

High level of customer interaction and satisfaction.
Opportunities to work in various settings, including retail and healthcare.
Growing demand due to increasing vision care needs.

Cons:

May involve working evenings and weekends in retail settings.
Requires staying updated with rapidly changing products and technology.
Some tasks can be repetitive, like adjusting frames.

How to become an Optician

Typical education

Opticians typically require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. However, many have completed a postsecondary program in optometry or related fields, which can be 1-2 years. Some states require licensure, which may involve additional education and passing a state exam.

High school preparation

Courses:

Physics and Mathematics for understanding optics.
Art and Design for a sense of aesthetics and style.
Business Studies to understand the retail aspect of the profession.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining fashion or design clubs.
Volunteering or part-time work in retail to develop customer service skills.
Participating in science fairs or projects related to optics.

Preparation after high school

Consider enrolling in a vocational or technical program specializing in opticianry.
Seek apprenticeships or on-the-job training opportunities in optical stores or healthcare facilities.
Prepare for and pass any required state licensure exams, if applicable.

More resources

American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE) - Offers certification and resources for opticians.
Opticians Association of America (OAA) - Provides education and advocacy for opticians.
The Vision Council - Offers insights into the latest trends and technologies in the optical industry.
Commission on Opticianry Accreditation (COA) - Lists accredited opticianry programs.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.