An optician helps people who are buying glasses get a pair that
will fit properly and suit their needs. They take measurements of
the client’s face in order to get the glasses sized properly and
help customers decide which type of glasses will be best for them.
In addition, the optician is responsible for keeping customer
records and keeping track of inventory and sales. The optician also
contacts the customer’s insurance company to find out what will be
covered.
Opticians are not eye doctors. An optician helps the optometrist
or ophthalmologist by taking care of the actual glasses purchase
for the customer. To be come an optician, you must first complete
your GED or high school education. Then you should enroll in an
accredited optician program. Some states also require opticians to
be certified by the American Board of Opticianry or the National
Contact Lens Examiners.
Optician salaries vary quite a bit from one part of the country
to another. Generally, opticians are paid more in states where
certification is required. The reason for this is that in states
not requiring certification, there is more competition for the
available jobs. In these states, pay for opticians is sometimes as
low as $10 to $13 per hour.
However, the national average is quite a bit higher than that.
Optician salaries average $37,000 per year according to Indeed.com
and about $41,000 per year according to Salary.com. You can expect
to be paid much more working in a private practice than you would
make if you work in a clinic located inside of a discount chain
such as Walmart.
If you are thinking about becoming an optician, you should be
someone who enjoys working with people. You should also be able to
quickly develop a rapport with someone in order to identify with
them and help them find a style of glasses that will look good on
them. You should also be good with paperwork and records. Being an
optician combines good customer service with the ability to manage
inventory and other business records.
