About Opticians

Opticians are valuable professionals in a dynamic team of eye specialists. They obtain training by attending Opticianry School for two years and generally graduate with associate's degrees. Opticians fill and dispense prescription eyeglasses and contact lens. They also do many other duties in their jobs.

Education of Opticians

Although opticians cannot prescribe medications like ophthalmologists or optometrists, they learn to do many other important things while in school. Their formal education entails learning optical math and physics. Students also learn to use the measuring tools they'll need when they go out into the field. Since most states require graduates to become licensed and certified as opticians, students study hard for their licensing exam.

Another way to get optician training is through apprenticeship. People who train directly under an optometrist or ophthalmologist learn how to fill prescriptions, fix eye wear and perform many other job duties. They may also learn how to sell or promote certain products and services.

Job Duties of Opticians

Dispensing prescriptions the customers bring in is an important area of the job. They must have great customer service skills in order to make customers feel comfortable with their services. Opticians generally fix broken eyeglasses or adjust new ones with precision skills. They also fit eye wear to their customers' face or construct frames.

Opticians may work in the offices of ophthalmologists and optometrists who fit, adjust and sell eyeglasses onsite. Many opticians work in optical stores as team members. They may need to have very good sales skills in this case. A few opticians work as self-employed professionals. They choose their own hours and services.