Health Careers - College of Medicine - University of Vermont

Optician
Opticians fit glasses and contact lenses, following
prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists.
Opticians help customers select eyeglass frames,
lenses and lens coatings after considering their
prescription, lifestyle, occupation and facial features.
Opticians prepare work orders for ophthalmic laboratory
technicians, giving them the information they
need to grind and insert lenses into eyeglass frames.
Sometimes opticians do this work themselves. After the
glasses have been made, opticians shape and bend the
frames so the eyeglasses fit the customer comfortably.
Opticians also fit contact lenses, artificial eyes or
cosmetic shells to cover blemished eyes. Opticians
measure the customer’s eye shape and size and select
the appropriate lens material. Fitting contact lenses
requires skill, patience and care. Opticians must take
the time to instruct customers to properly insert,
remove and care for their contact lenses.
Education Program
Community College of Vermont
Wasson Hall, PO Box 120
Waterbury, VT 05676-0120
800-CCV-6686
www.ccv.edu
Professional Organizations
National Federation of Opticianry Schools
Chesterfield, VA
804-790-0026
www.nfos.org
Opticians Association of America
Annandale, VA
202-619-0724
www.aoa.dhhs.gov
National Academy of Opticianry
Landover, MD
301-577-4828
www.nao.org
American Board of Opticianry/
National Contact Lens Examiners
Springfield, VA
703-719-5800
www.abo.org
Work Environments
Clinics
Department stores
Offices of optometry and ophthalmology
Retail optical stores
Job Outlook
Employment for opticians should grow at an average
rate through 2010. The aging population as well as
advances in eyewear such as no line bifocals and
anti-reflective lens coatings will increase the demand
for corrective lenses.
Salary
Opticians can expect to earn between $25,000 and
$35,000, depending on experience and work setting.
Education, Certification and Licensing
Knowledge of physics, math, anatomy and mechanical
drawing are particularly valuable to people starting an
opticianry training program. Opticians should possess
manual dexterity and skill, in addition to the ability to
relate directly with customers. Many employers hire
people with no opticianry experience and offer on-thejob
training or apprenticeships lasting two or more years.
Other pathways into opticianry work come from working
first as an ophthalmic laboratory technician. Opticianary
training is generally offered in community colleges. These
colleges offer either one or two-year programs. Opticians
may apply to the American Board of Opticianry (ABO)
and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) for
certification of their skills. Certification must be renewed
every three years through continuing education.
FACTOID: The average salary for graduates from Opticianry degree programs is approximately $8,000 higher
than Opticians who only received on-the-job training and $7,000 higher than those trained by formal
apprenticeship programs — Eyecare Business, April, 1997
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