A Career in Opticianry
If you want to work with people, providing technical expertise while helping them look their best, a career as a Dispensing Optician is an excellent choice for you.
As a Dispensing Optician, you'll work with other Opticians, Optometrists, and Ophthalmologists as part of a vision-care team. You'll fill eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions and ensure a proper fit by measuring patient's eyes and facial contours.
Some dispensing opticians receive training on the job or through apprenticeships lasting 3 or more years. Many employers, however, seek people with postsecondary training in the field.
What skills are needed?
Basic knowledge of physics, anatomy, algebra, and trigonometry as well as experience with computers are particularly valuable because training usually includes instruction in optical mathematics, optical physics, and the use of precision measuring instruments and other instrumentation and tools. Dispensing opticians deal directly with the public, so they should be tactful, pleasant, and communicate well. Manual dexterity and the ability to do precision work are essential.
Large employers usually offer structured apprenticeship programs; small employers provide more informal, on-the-job training. About twenty States require dispensing opticians to be licensed. A Massachusetts licensed optician is required to have completed a three year apprenticeship or two year degree program, achieve a passing score on the American Board of Opticianry certification exam (ABOC), achieve a passing score on the National Contact Lens Examiners certification exam (NCLC), and achieve a passing score on the Massachusetts State Practical Exam for opticians.
To qualify for the Massachusetts State Practical exam, all candidates must have completed each of the previous levels of certification (apprenticeship degree, ABOC, NCLC).
Once Massachusetts licensure is granted, continuing education is required for renewal every two years. Information about specific licensing and apprenticeship requirements are available from the Massachusetts Board of Registration for Dispensing Opticians.
Apprentices receive technical training and learn office management and sales. Under the supervision of an experienced optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist, apprentices work directly with patients, fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Formal training in the field is offered in community colleges and a few colleges and universities. In 2004, the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation accredited 24 programs that awarded 2-year associate degrees. There also are optical technician certificate programs of 1 year or less.
Employment Opportunities
Opticians are long-standing members of the health care delivery team in a field for which there is a growing universal need. Massachusetts licensed opticians may dispense eyewear independently or as part of the eye care team. Consequently, many aspire to operate their own businesses. As recognized professionals under the Regulated Health Professions Act, career possibilities exist in large retail optical chains, independent dispensaries and medical clinics.
Graduates obtain full-time positions readily, and often move into managerial roles. Other employment opportunities in which our graduates have been successful include positions as sales representatives for ophthalmic frame and lens distributors, and contact lens and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Demand for Opticians
In a recent study, the U.S. Department of Labor found opticianry to be one of the best professions for job security. Employment of opticians is expected to increase in the next decade as population growth continues in the Northeast; as the current trend in stylish eyewear accelerates; and as health care in general improves and visual deficiencies are detected in groups of the population that are now unserved. Fashion also influences demand. Frames come in a growing variety of highly advanced materials, styles and colors, which encourages people to buy more than one pair.
Editorial provided by Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology.
