Brian Geren

If you have ever spent time in an optical retail store, optometry office, or ophthalmology clinic then you were probably assisted by an optician at some point. Opticians are eye wear professionals who specialize in selecting and fitting eyeglasses. There are a number of skills that an optician must possess in order to have a comprehensive understanding of the optical market and current practices within the industry. These skills are typically acquired in a variety of ways.

There are approximately 23 states that currently require opticians to be formally licensed by the state. In these states, there are a couple of paths into the industry that an optician can take. The first route involves a two-year optician degree program followed by completion of the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Exam and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Exam. Some states may also require opticians to complete a state specific licensing exam. The other route involves an apprenticeship followed by completion of the ABO and NCLE exams. An apprenticeship usually consists of supervised training for a specific number of hours.

The remaining states, that have no optician licensing requirements, typically allow employers to establish their own expectations for the level of training and credentials that their opticians possess. Opticians in these states can have a wide range of experience and skills depending on what their past employers considered important. Opticians who work in these states will experience the greatest impact that credentialing can have on their earning potential and job opportunities.

Optical employers, regardless of geographic location, typically prefer to hire opticians who have formal education and credentials. These opticians have a more in-depth understanding of how to perform the job and require less overall training. One of the major benefits of being certified by the ABO and NCLE is the fact that customers are more at ease with professionals who have demonstrated that they meet nationally recognized standards for competence. Optical employers also understand that credentialed opticians give them a marketing advantage that their competitors may not have.

Another important benefit of becoming certified is a higher optician salary. Credentialed opticians make more money in nearly every state than those opticians who have not been certified. This is usually because they have a better understanding of the industry and current standards and practices. Certified opticians simply require less financial investment and support from their employers.

Finally, credentialed opticians are able to transfer their certification among all states regardless of licensing laws. Most states allow certified opticians to apply for licensure without completing additional training and education. It can be extremely frustrating for an optician who has spent years working in an unregulated state to have to go back to school or work as an optical assistant. Opticians who decide to move to regulated states will also be required to complete the ABO and NCLE exams before they can be licensed.

Opticians are individuals who work in optical shops helping customers select and fit eyeglasses. An optician has a very important job making sure that customers have an enjoyable and memorable experience. The optician has the greatest impact on the customer experience because of the large amount of time that is spent with customers. In order to be successful, as an optician, one must possess both desirable personality traits and important technical skills. Optical employers often look for individuals who are outgoing, enthusiastic, people-friendly, intelligent, and competent. The most important quality of an optician is their personality. Opticians must enjoy interacting with customers on a daily basis.

Once you have determined that you possess the personality traits necessary to be a successful optician, it's time to assess which technical skills you will need. The first step in this process is to find out if your state regulates opticianry and what the legal requirements are. Some states require that opticians complete a 2-year Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree, an apprenticeship, the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Examination, the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Examination, or all of the above. The regulations will vary depending on where you live, but it is very important that you figure out what is required prior to seeking employment.

If you live in a state that requires degree completion, you may find it difficult to locate a college program that is convenient for you to attend. This is because formal opticianry education is a relatively new concept and few institutions have developed such a program. Schools that do offer an opticianry degree generally require that coursework be completed on-campus and in local optical shops. Some states allow you to substitute the degree requirement with an apprenticeship. If you decide to go this route, you will usually have to register with the state as an apprentice before beginning the apprenticeship. The goal of both of these requirements is to teach you how to become an optician and to prepare you for the ABO and NCLE Exams.

The ABO and NCLE Exams are the nationally recognized standard for optician competence assessment. Completion of these exams is an important step in establishing yourself as a competent and knowledgeable optician. Having ABO and NCLE credentials means that you will increase your earning power, receive better benefits, have more job opportunities, and be better respected by customers. While you may not be required to complete the exams in your state, it is highly recommended that you do so. There are no education or training requirements in order to sit for the exams, but you will want to make sure you invest a good deal of time and effort preparing for them.

In order to ensure a positive client experience, opticians must possess good people skills. Clients enjoy interacting with opticians that are enthusiastic, outgoing, good at listening, knowledgeable, able to educate, and friendly. No amount of technical skills can overcome a personality that nobody enjoys being around. For this reason, optical employers will often establish personality traits as the number one priority when selecting an individual for the role of optician. If you possess these qualities, then you will be in high demand within the optical industry. If you lack these qualities, then you may want to consider alternative careers or you may want to work on improving your attitude toward working with people. While personality traits are critical to becoming a successful optician, there are also many technical skills that an individual must have in order to carry each task within the optician job description. Specific requirements will vary depending on who you work for, but there are some very common tasks that almost every optician will be expected to perform. These include eye wear prescription interpretation, collection of eye measurements, lens tint and coating education, work order creation, eye wear fitting and repairs, and inventory tracking. Do not worry if you are new to the profession and have not had time to master these skills. Most employers will allow you to work under the supervision of an experienced optician while you learn the ropes. Some states require that opticians complete a 2-year Associates in Applied Science (AAS) Degree or an apprenticeship prior to obtaining a license. Also, these states commonly require the successful completion of the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Examination and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Examination. While there are no requirements for being able to sit for these exams, individuals who have education and training tend to perform better. If you plan to work in a state that does not regulate opticianry, it is wise to voluntarily pursue formal credentials. Studies have shown that credentials increase an opticians earning power and result in better employment benefits.

An optician is an eye care professional who specializes in helping clients choose eyeglasses and ensure that they fit properly. There are some technical skills that are very important to becoming a successful optician. Taking eye measurements, making frame adjustments, and suggesting the appropriate lenses are skills that are learned over time through a degree program, hands-on experience, or both. The route that an optician takes to get into the profession usually depends on the state in which they live and work.

Approximately 23 states currently have laws that require opticians to complete some form of formal education or training prior to licensure. The exact requirements in each state vary, but commonly include a 2-year Associates in Applied Science Degree, an apprenticeship, the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Exam, and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Exam. States may require one or all of these credentials. Due to the lack of degree programs currently available, some states allow opticians to substitute the degree requirement with an apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship is essentially an extended training period during which a licensed dispensing optician supervises your work. Employers in states that have no opticianry laws often arrange for experienced opticians to train new employees. While these states do not require the ABO and NCLE exams, many employers still encourage their opticians to voluntarily pursue these credentials. Credentialed opticians can generally expect to receive higher salaries, better benefits, and a wider selection of job opportunities. Opticians not completing a degree or an apprenticeship should invest time and effort in preparation for the exams.

Individuals wanting to complete a degree program in opticianry may discover that it can be difficult to locate a program that is convenient to attend. This is because there are so few programs available. Most of the programs that do exist are located in states that have opticianry laws. Usually, an optician school will require students to complete all coursework on-campus and in local optical shops. This may mean that students will have to relocate while completing the program. Since this can be inconvenient for individuals who depend on a full-time job and have a family to take care of, some states allow for the substitution of the degree with an apprenticeship.

Admission into an opticianry degree program is very similar to any other degree program. Colleges and Universities will generally expect applicants to be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and have some sort of standardized exam score (ACT, SAT, etc). They may also have you complete some general education courses prior to starting the optician specific classes. If you have completed general coursework elsewhere, they may allow you to transfer those credits. This approach may allow you to start right in on the optician courses.

If you have ever purchased prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses then you have probably encountered an optician. Opticians are members of the eyecare team whose primary role is to assist clients with the frame and lens selection process. There are many things to consider when choosing which style of frame you like and the type of prescription lenses that will be placed in those frames. For this reason, optical employers hire specialists to give you informed advice and to make sure your eyeglasses are as comfortable as possible.

Like most careers that involve sales, opticianry requires that an individual have a personality that clients enjoy interacting with. Nobody wants to deal with an optician who is rude, obnoxious, ignorant, or disinterested. Clients want to interact with opticians who are enthusiastic, energetic, knowledgeable, helpful, and able to listen. An optician who has the right personality traits can do wonders for optical retail sales. After all, opticians are the ones who spend the most time with clients.

Once an optical employer has determined that an applicant possesses the necessary personality traits, they then assess the level of technical training and experience that the applicant has. Some states mandate that opticians complete a 2-year Associates in Applied Science Degree, an apprenticeship, the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Exam, the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Exam, or all of the above. Other states allow employers to decide how much training and experience they expect from an applicant.

While an optician may not be required to obtain credentials, it is recommended that they at least complete the ABO and NCLE exams. These credentials have been shown to increase earning power, result in better benefits, establish rapport with clients, and create more job opportunities. It also ensures that your understanding of current trends and practices is comprehensive. The ABO and NCLE exams are nationally recognized as the standard for optician competence assessment. Be sure to invest a good deal of time and effort in preparation for the exams.

If you have ever caught yourself wondering "what is an optician" then you should know that there are many skills necessary to perform the job well. Opticians must understand how to adjust eyeglasses to ensure a proper fit and they need to know how to alter lenses to meet the clients expectations. Whether an optician learns these skills as part of a degree program, an apprenticeship, or a specialized employer training program, they must be understood and kept up-to-date. While the learning process may seem daunting, we guarantee that it is well worth the effort.

Opticians are valuable members of the optical team who spend most of their time helping customers select and fit eye wear. The job may seem simple enough, but there are many opticianry skills that require time and training to develop. The fact that opticians have so much direct contact with customers means that they need to possess very specific personality traits. Individuals who have great people skills will be in high demand in the optical industry.

Optical employers look for people who are friendly, outgoing, and eager to assist customers. It is critical that opticians express excitement over the chance to help customers. After all, they have a dramatic impact on the customer experience and can have a lot of influence over the success or failure of an optical establishment. If you have determined that you possess the traits necessary to be a great optician, then it is time to familiarize yourself with the education, training, and examination requirements in your state.

Many states have established laws that require opticians to complete education and training prior to licensure. While the specifics of each state will vary, they all generally expect opticians to complete a 2-year Associates in Applied Science (AAS) Degree, an apprenticeship, the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Examination, the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Examination, or all of the above. The exact regulations are different in each state. There are approximately 23 states that have such requirements. If you intend to work in a state that has no requirements, then your employer will likely have you trained under the direct supervision of an experienced dispensing optician.

Degree programs that are convenient to attend can be difficult to find. This is because formal opticianry education is a relatively new concept and few colleges and universities have set up such programs. In this situation, it might be a good idea to see if you can substitute the degree requirement with an apprenticeship. The goal of both is to teach individuals how to become an optician as well as prepare them for the ABO and NCLE exams. If you plan to work in a state that has no requirements, it is often recommended that you voluntarily seek credentialing.

The exams mentioned above have no requirements in order to take them and it is a good idea to pass them regardless of whether or not you are required to. Credentialed opticians commonly receive higher salaries, better benefits, and preferential treatment in the hiring process. They are also able to work in all states since the ABO and NCLE exams are the nationally recognized standard for optician competence assessment. This will give you more freedom when it comes to moving among states and will increase the number of employment opportunities available to you. Keep in mind that you will need to invest some time and effort in preparing for the exams since they are not easy to pass.

A career as an optician is extremely rewarding both personally and financially. There aren't many jobs that give you the kind of immediate satisfaction you get when you help someone improve their vision. While it can be a challenge to become licensed, we know you will be glad you put forth the time and effort. Opticianry is one of the best careers available.

In the most basic terms, an optician is a member of the optical team that specializes in helping clients select eyeglasses. While this task is the most fundamental aspect of a career as an optician, there are many other responsibilities that an optician must attend to.

These other tasks are important because they allow the optician to bring together all the necessary elements to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for the client. An optician that manages these responsibilities well, can have a dramatic impact on the success of the optical shop.

Opticians must possess personality traits that are conducive to daily client interaction. An individual who is outgoing, energetic, able to listen, able to educate, possesses patience, expresses empathy, and can stay calm under pressure will do well as an optician. Optical employers value these traits and are constantly looking for individuals who have them.

In addition to these critical character traits, employers are likely to include the following skills in the optician job description: ability to interpret eye wear prescriptions, experience in collecting eye measurements, knowledge of common lens alterations like tints and coatings, awareness of how to create work orders for laboratory technicians, ability to adjust and repair frames, skilled at educating about proper frame and lens care, and experience in tracking inventory.

These important elements of the dispensing optician job description cannot be learned overnight. Oftentimes, states require that opticians complete a degree program and an apprenticeship before they are allowed to work unsupervised. While you may want to work in a state that has no requirements, you would be well advised to voluntarily pursue professional education and training.

Few colleges offer a degree program in opticianry. Those that do, generally confer the Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Opticianry or Vision Technology. The AAS degree usually requires 2 years for completion and specifies that coursework must be completed on-campus. The goal of these programs is to prepare students for the nationally recognized American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Examination and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Examination. Degree programs also offer hands-on training with real clients in local optical shops.

While the education and training requirements can be difficult to complete, we are confident that you will find the time and effort invested well worth it. Opticians have been in high demand for many years and it is expected that this trend will continue as our population ages. With such a high level of personal and financial satisfaction, it is important to keep opticianry near the top of your career opportunities list.

Opticians are an important part of the eye care industry. They work directly with clients to ensure that prescriptions are interpreted correctly, frames are fitted properly, and lenses are prepared accordingly. Opticians oftentimes spend more time with clients than anyone else on the eye care team. Because of this extended direct contact with clients, opticians need to possess some very unique skills.

Most successful opticians are outgoing, friendly, knowledgeable, informative, good at listening, detail-oriented, and able to balance many tasks at once. All of these skills combined create an enjoyable experience for clients and ensure that the optical shop operates as efficiently as possible. Many times, opticians will be asked to perform general office duties in addition to their job specific tasks including lab work, frame fitting, fashion consultation, eyeglass repairs, and client conflict resolution. These tasks may be daunting at first, but they become easier as you gain knowledge and experience.

Legal requirements governing opticianry vary widely among different states and it's important that you familiarize yourself with the regulations in your state before searching for a job. There are currently 23 states that require some form of education, training, and/or licensure. The remaining states have not established legal requirements for individuals wishing to become opticians. This does not mean that your employer won't have their own requirements. Be sure to inquire with each employer about what they will be expecting.

Optician training is most commonly completed in an academic and/or retail setting. There are relatively few colleges that offer a degree program in opticianry and you may find it difficult to locate a program that is convenient for you. Those that do offer degree programs generally confer the Associates of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Opticianry or Vision Technology. These programs are usually 2 years in length and most require that courses be completed on-campus and in local optical shops.

The most widely recognized credentialing organizations for opticianry include the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). Each of these organizations administers an examination that is nationally standardized. Though not all states require opticians to complete these exams, it is highly advised that you consider doing so regardless of your state's regulations. Credentials have been shown to increase public trust, enhance earning power, and result in more employer benefits. In addition, these credentials will allow you to work in states that do require them.

Opticians enjoy an enviable quality of life due to the personally satisfying and financially rewarding aspects of the opticianry industry. Not only do opticians get to help people improve their vision on a daily basis but they also receive great pay for doing so. Opticians in most areas make between $35,000 - $45,000 depending on the level of education, credentialing, and experience they have obtained.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly important to select a specialty that can weather the changes that are expected. Opticianry has stood firm as a subspecialty that is both in high demand and experiencing an upward trend in growth. Though there are some challenges to becoming an optician, we believe you will find the time and effort well worth it.