DISPENSING OPTICIANS

Nature of Work

Dispensing opticians fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists.

Dispensing opticians help customers select appropriate frames, order the necessary ophthalmic laboratory work, and adjust the finished eyeglasses.  In some States, they fit contact lenses under the supervision of an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Some employers hire individuals with no background in opticianry or those who have worked as ophthalmic laboratory technicians.  Training may be informal, on-the-job or formal apprenticeship.  Others seek people with college level training in opticianry.  Knowledge of physics, basic anatomy, algebra, geometry, and mechanical drawing is particularly valuable because training usually includes instruction in optical mathematics, optical physics, and the use of precision measuring instruments and other machinery and tools.  Because dispensing opticians deal directly with the public, they should be tactful and pleasant and communicate well.

Job Outlook

Employment in this occupation is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005 in response to rising demand for corrective lenses.  The number of middle-aged and elderly persons is projected to increase rapidly.  Middle age is a time when many people use corrective lenses for the first time, and elderly persons require more vision care, on the whole, than others.

Earnings

According to the Opticians Association of America, salaries for dispensing opticians in retail stores averaged about $26,000 in 1992.  The beginning average salary for licensed and certified opticians was $20,971.  Those with 3 to 5 years of experience averaged $21,875; 6 to 9 years, $25,876; and 10 years or more, $29,640.  Noncertified opticians averaged about $6,000 less at each level of experience.  Beginning apprentices averaged about $13,000 a year.  Some opticians earned well above $30,000 a year.  Those who run their own stores earned more than salaried workers.  In addition to base salaries, many employers provide commissions, bonuses, and profit-sharing.

Sources of Additional Information

For general information about this occupation, contact:

Opticians Association of America, 10341 Democracy Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030-2521.

For a list of accredited training programs, contact:

Commission on Opticianry Accreditation, 10111 Martin Luther King, Jr.  Hwy., Suite 100, Bowie, MD 20720-4299.

For general information on opticianry and a list of home-study programs, seminars, and review materials, contact:

National Academy of Opticianry, 10111 Martin Luther King, Jr.  Hwy., Suite 112, Bowie, MD 20720-4299.


