Dispensing Optician Careers
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What Dispensing Opticians do:
A Dispensing Optician is a qualified Allied Healthcare Professional, responsible for fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses.
The Dispensing Optician follows prescriptions written by optometrists or ophthalmologists. Dispensing Opticians work mostly in medical offices and optical stores.
The main duties of a Dispensing Optician include:
- Interpreting prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists
- Determining lens specifications
- Making recommendations to the customer on frames, lenses and coatings
- Advising the customer on the best option for them, taking into consideration, facial features and occupation
- Measuring patient's eyes
- Operating a lensometer to determine suitable lenses for customers without a prescription
- Preparing orders for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
- Reshaping frames to ensure they fit the customer properly
- Educating customers on caring for glasses and lenses
- Keeping customers records and other administrative duties
Education & Qualifications:
College education is recommended for Dispensing Optician career progression and advancement, and is mandatory in some states. Some large employers offer their own apprenticeship programs. Other Opticianry Programs are available in community colleges and some universities.
Typical subjects covered include: Optical Mathematics, Optical Physics, Precision Measuring Instruments, Anatomy, and Computer Applications.
Licensure is mandatory in some states, and is granted on passing a written examination by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) or the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE).
Salary & Job Prospects:
Salaries range form $18,000 - $45,000 depending on location, job title, qualifications and experience. Average job growth is expected for Dispensing Opticians. Job prospects are expected to be good as the demand for corrective lenses increases.
Below is a list of some of the various types of allied health careers / professions: