Optician
Job Description
Dispensing opticians are trained to make up optical prescriptions written by Optometrists or Ophthalmologists. They also advise on, supply and fit glasses, and other optical aids to meet their patent's requirements. They do not perform eye exams or fit contact lenses. Some Dispensing Opticians choose to study further, and some also become contact lens opticians or low vision specialists.
A typical optician job description is as follows
An Optician helps customers with fitting glasses or contact lenses, after obtaining prescriptions from Optometrists or Ophthalmologists. Also known as a Dispensing Optician, the Optician advises customers on the styles and characteristics of eyewear to best suit their needs.
The Optician's primary responsibilities
- Obtaining patient prescriptions from Optometrists and Ophthalmologists.
- Taking customer information and measurements of the ocular area.
- Recommending frames or contact lenses that suit the customer's style, face, and specifications.
- Adjusting and fitting frames according to the prescriptions and customer's specifications, as well as to suit the customer's face.
- Preparingwork orders for the Optical Technicians to use to manufacture the lenses.
- Using specialized equipment, such as calipers, lensometers, and lens gauges.
- Keeping inventory on frames and contact lenses to ensure product variety and customer satisfaction.
- Repairing broken frames.
- Educating customers on how to wear and maintain glasses and contact lenses.
- Performing administrative duties, such as managing prescriptions, customer records, and insurance.
Education
An Associate's degree or Certification in Opticianry.
On-the-job training and experience in clinical work.
The ability to operate specialized equipment.
Excellent customer service and sales ability.
Optician Programs in Oklahoma
Tulsa Technology Center offers a vision care program that currently costs a total of $3,735.
Penn Foster Career School is another option for opticians in any state, because the program is entirely online (https://www.pennfoster.edu/programs-and-degrees/medical-andhealth-careers/optician-career-diploma)
Salary
The average Dispensing Optician salary in Oklahoma is $43,818 as of December 26, 2019, but the range typically falls between $40,489 and $52,845. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Growth and Outlook
Dispensing opticians earn between $21,980 and $55,530, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment of opticians is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and increasing rates of chronic disease are expected to lead to greater demand for corrective eyewear.
Number of jobs: 75,200 (2014) (Wikipedia)
