Optician Salary

The job of an optician includes filling prescriptions for eyewear from opthalmologists and optometrists. You will help patients choose frames and lenses that best suit their faces and will write work orders in order to help lab technicians fill their prescriptions correctly. You will need to work with insurance companies to keep records up to date and track inventory and sales. You will make frame adjustments and take the measurements of your cliients' faces. You will need to be helpful, friendly, and patient.

Training to become an optician includes having a GED or high school diploma and completing an accredited optician program, which is usually a one to two year certificate programs or diploma. Often the courses include biology, physics, algebra, geometry, geometrical optics, and opthalmic optics. You will also need to learn how to use optical instruments, tools, and machinery. Most employers require certification. The American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners offer national certification and testing for opticians, and opticians are required to become recertified every three years.

The median annual salary for opticians is $41,509. This income is dependent on the size of the employer, industry, years of experience, and credentials of the employee.

Dispensing opticians are responsible for fitting contact lenses and eyeglasses based on prescriptions determined by opthalmologists or optometrists. Dispensing opticians recommend eyeglass lenses, frames, and lens coatings. Many employers will provide training on the job with apprenticeships that last two or more years, but some employers want people who have postsecondary training. About 2/5 of states require opticians to be licensed.

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