Optician Job Description
What is a Optician Professional?
An optician is an ophthalmic medical practitioner who designs, fits and dispenses corrective lenses for the correction of a persons vision. An optician also provides consultations for people with minor eye problems. The main job of an optician is to help people see better. To do this, they conduct eye exams, fit glasses and contact lenses, and educate patients on how to protect their eyesight. They also work with other healthcare providers to manage more complex vision cases. There are two types of opticians: dispensing and therapeutic.
What does a Optician Expert do?
Dispensing opticians determine the best possible eyewear prescription for each individual patient based on the results of their eye exam. Therapeutic opticians are specially trained to recognize, diagnose and treat certain eye conditions using both medical treatments and specialized devices such as low-vision aids. In some states, dispensing opticians must be licensed; in others, they may only need to registers themselves with the state board of examiners. Therapeutic Optician licensure requirements vary by state but typically include completing an accredited ophthalmic technician or therapeutic program followed by passing a national board exam.
What are the Skills of a Optician?
In order to become a registered optician, one must complete an accredited opticianry program and pass a national exam. There are four levels of Opticians in Canada: Certified Optician (CO), Registered dispensing Optician (ODO), Licensed contact lens practitioner (CLP) and Master craftsman contact lens Optican (MCLC). Each level has different requirements in terms of education and experience.
What makes an Expert Optician?
A certified optician is someone who has successfully completed an accredited certification program from a recognized institution such as the Canadian province in which they practice or from the National Accreditation Board for Certification Authorities. The passing of this examination grants the individual use of the title "certified" before their name and credential initials. After five years, certifiedOpticians may optionally renew their certification by passing a recertification exam or completing 0 continuing education credits.
What level of Experience & Qualifications are required to be a Optician?
Industry Experience Requirements: 1. At least two years of work experience as an optician in a retail setting or medical office 2. Demonstrated ability to accurately interpret prescription lenses and frame measurements for eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other vision correction products 3. Familiarity with relevant product lines including frames, lenses, accessories such as eye patches and magnifiers 4. Knowledgeable about the process of manufacturing glasses from taking patient’s measurements to ordering supplies Training/Qualification Requirements: 1. Licensing through the American Board of Optometry (ABO) or National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) is required in most states 2. Certification by attending ABO-approved training programs which include topics such as ocular anatomy & physiology; optics & refraction theory; lens materials & designs; safety standards & regulations; practice management principles 3. Satisfy continuing education credits annually mandated by state licensing boards 4. Maintain CPR certification when working with patients who may require emergency treatments 5 Proficiency with computer software applications used for managing optical inventory systems 6 Completion of on-the-job mentoring program under supervision of experienced opticians 7 Ability to utilize diagnostic equipment including auto refractors/keratometers and slit lamps 8 Solid customer service skills Education Requirement: 1 Bachelors degree in optometry preferred but not required
What is the Salary of a Optician?
A junior optician typically earns a starting salary of around $30,000 per year. As experience and skills increase, their wages can rise to between $40-50,000 annually. With several years of experience in the field or those who obtain certifications such as Certified Optical Dispensing Professional may earn up to $60,000 depending on where they work and the region’s cost of living. Senior level opticians usually make around $70-80,000 with some earning over six figures when working for high end stores or corporate companies that offer benefits like health insurance. Those with extensive knowledge in contact lenses and advanced optical technologies often command salaries above this range due to their specialized expertise which is highly sought after by employers looking for experienced staff members capable of handling difficult cases related to vision correction products
What are the Working Conditions for a Optician?
Working conditions for an optician will vary depending on where they work. Generally, opticians work in retail stores or offices and are responsible for helping customers select glasses frames, lenses and contact lenses that best suit their needs. They must have a good understanding of optical principles such as lens power and materials used in making eyewear. Opticians also need to be familiar with the types of vision correction equipment available including spectacles, contact lenses and eye refracting instruments. Opticians typically spend much of their time interacting with customers which requires excellent customer service skills as well as knowledge about optics products being sold at the store or office. Hours may include evenings, weekends and holidays due to the nature of this role working within retail stores or doctor’s offices so flexibility is important if you wish to pursue this career path. Furthermore its essential that opticians maintain up-to-date product information regarding styles, colors etc., while ensuring accuracy when taking measurements from customers during fittings/consultations.. Additionally theyre required to provide accurate advice related to eyesight care (e;g nutrition) & safety (e;g UV protection). Lastly they may need computer proficiency since many use modern software programs designed specifically for managing patient records & inventory control management systems .
What are the roles and responsibilities of a Optician?
Fitting and dispensing eyeglasses and contact lenses
performing eye exams and vision tests
Diagnosing common vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia
Counseling patients on proper eyewear care and use
Adjusting and repairing glasses and frames
Selecting eyeglass frames to complement a patients facial features
ordering prescription lenses from manufacturers
maintaining inventory of optical merchandise
keeping abreast of new developments in the field of optometry through continued education courses
Answering questions from patients or customers about eyewear options or related products
Answering questions from patients or customers about eyewear options or related products
Calculating customers’ required lens powers, factoring in prescriptions for astigmatism or bifocals
Consulting with patients to determine the best frame choices based on style preferences and face shapes
Dispensing eyeglasses and contact lenses to customers after they have been fitted and prescribed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist
Educating patients on how to care for their new eyewear and contact lenses, including advice on cleaning and storing them properly
Filing insurance claims on behalf of patients
Making small adjustments to frames, such as bending wire earpieces to better fit a customer’s face shape
Operating cash registers and other office equipment, such as computers used for ordering inventory or tracking sales data
Ordering stock from vision-care product manufacturers or distributors when inventory levels run low
Performing routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning countertops and surfaces or organizing displays
Scheduling appointments for customers who need to see an optometrist
Where can I find Optician jobs?
- Create a profile on gigexchange and promote your Optician skills to advertise you are Open to New Work Opportunities
- Ensure your Resume (or CV), or online work profile is up to date and represents your skills and experience. Ensure your reputation reflects your ability & attitude.
- Apply for Optician Jobs advertised on gigexchange.
- Practise Optician interview techniques to ensure you represent your personality and ability succinctly and confidently.
- Accept the job offer if the salary meets your expectations and the employer mission and purpose reflects your core values.
Jobs
What are the best job boards for Eye Doctor jobs?
How can I hire Optician staff online for my business?
The best job board for recruiting Optician experts is gigexchange.com. Advertise full-time, part-time or contract jobs to find, hire & recruit trusted, experienced and talented Optician candidates near you.
Are Optician roles in demand in 2024?
Optician experts are still in high demand in 2024. If you are an experienced Optician or looking to train and become one. The job market is looking strong for Optician jobs near me.