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Individuals who want to work in the vision industry have a handful of professions from which to choose. While each of these career paths works directly with patients to improve sight, there are many differences between the education and training requirements for each. Those who are seriously considering a career in the vision industry are well-advised to explore the differences between an optician, optometrist, ophthalmologist, and optical technician prior to beginning their journey. While each of these vision specialists plays an important part in providing comprehensive eye care to patients, the job responsibilities and regulations affecting each profession are unique to each career option. Opticians are members of the eye care team who specialize in the selection and fitting of eyeglasses and contact lenses. An optician does not receive training in medical eye care and is not qualified to provide medical services to patients. The optician works with patients to select a pair of frames that matches the patient’s taste in fashion and is appropriate for the lens customization that the patient has requested. Some opticians focus primarily on retail sales while others work in lens laboratories and provide frame repair services. The exact nature of the optician job description is usually dependent on the place of employment and state regulations. Additional responsibilities that an optician might have include work order creation, conflict resolution, and general administrative tasks. The education and training requirements that affect opticians are dramatically different than those affecting optometrists and ophthalmologists. While medical eye care professionals spend many years in college and are required to complete extensive licensing requirements, an optician may or may not be required to complete a degree program and often receives the necessary training through hands-on experience. Approximately half of all states have formal optician regulations that impact the path that an individual must take in order to enter the profession. The remaining states allow optical employers to establish their own expectations for opticians based on the unique needs of their business. Individuals who plan to work in regulated states will generally be required to complete a two year degree program or apprenticeship and a certification exam. Because optician degree programs are rare and can be extremely inconvenient to attend, most regulated states allow aspiring opticians to arrange an apprenticeship through a local optical employer. An apprenticeship is an extended period of supervised training during which time the apprentice acquires the skills required to provide comprehensive care to patients. Employers like having an apprentice around because they can provide services at a much lower cost compared to fully trained and certified opticians. Those who plan to complete an apprenticeship should contact their state agency to determine if they need to register with the state prior to beginning the training process. Upon completion of either a degree program or an apprenticeship, opticians in regulated states are typically required to complete either a state approved or nationally recognized certification exam. The most common exam that opticians complete is offered through the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and has no prerequisite requirements for test takers. Opticians who work in unregulated states and who do not plan to complete a formal degree or an apprenticeship are well-advised to study for and complete the ABO Certification exam voluntarily. Certification brings with it many benefits that make the time and effort well worth the investment. Certified opticians commonly receive a higher optician salary, have more employment opportunities available to them, and are able to transfer their credentials between regulated and unregulated states in the event that they decide to move. In addition, many patients view certified opticians more favorably because they have demonstrated competence in the field. A career as an optician is very rewarding and offers years of personal and financial satisfaction. Individuals who pursue this profession typically find high levels of satisfaction stemming from their ability to help people see better. Those who would like to learn more about the eye care industry are encouraged to read as much as possible online and contact their local vision industry organizations. Getting involved in the profession early can go a long way in establishing the personal and professional relationships needed to do well as an optician.
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