Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician |
Career OverviewA dispensing optician has the responsibility of helping patients find the correct lenses and glass frames to fit their face and to enhance their vision. A dispensing optician works with written information from an ophthalmologist or optometrist to be able to correctly insert the various lenses and prescription lenses into frames.
A dispensing optician may also work in making and fitting contact lenses if there are irregularities in the patient’s eyes. With specialized training some dispensing opticians may also work with patients needed artificial eyes or even specialized shells that are used to protect and covered injured eyes. With standard contact lenses the dispensing optician observes and measures the eye, chooses the correct shape of contact lens and prepares the prescription. He or she also works with the patient to explain how to care for both the contact lenses and the patient’s eyes. Often the dispensing optician answers customer questions regarding eye irritations that occur with contact lenses.
The dispensing optician must be familiar with various methods to measure the distance between the patient’s eyes to ensure that the center of the lenses will line up with the center of the patient’s eyes. This is very important for correct vision and preventing any further damage to the patient’s vision. The dispensing optician works directly with the client to ensure the proper fit is obtained.
A dispensing optician must have excellent communication skills as well as an ability to make suggestions in a positive and supportive manner to clients. Many people are very unsure of what frames suit their face and appearance so the dispensing optician often is asked for assistance and to provide their opinion. A lot of patience is required for the job, as often people want to try on numerous frames to find the one that is just right.
Most dispensing opticians will work standard weekly business hours however many larger centers may have 24 hour labs or stores that offer weekend and evening hours. Generally there is little or no emergency work required.
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Career RequirementsMost dispensing opticians are trained on the job in one or two year apprenticeship programs. To get started in the field a high school diploma or equivalent or an Associates degree in a science or medical field is required.
The dispensing optician learns by working for an already trained and licensed dispensing optician until they are experienced enough to write the State examination. Some agencies or states may also require that the dispensing optician complete exams and certification through the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) prior to licensing. Ongoing professional development is required for renewal of licensing in subsequent years.
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Job OutlookThe United States Department of Labor indicates that at the demand for dispensing opticians will continue to increase at a steady, average rate. The demand for those dispensing opticians trained in working with contact lenses will increase at a faster rate as the current trend in the field is to move towards contact lenses rather than glasses.
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Career TrackA dispensing optician with experience may open his or her own facilities and provide services for ophthalmologists or optometrists. He or she may also move into management positions in retail outlets or larger chain stores with experience and additional training.
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CompensationMost dispensing opticians working in retail or chain stores make slightly more per year that those working directly for doctors. The average salary for an experienced dispensing optician is approximately $31,000 with the top ten percent, usually those in management, earning over $45,000.
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