Dispensing Optician

Dispensing opticians fit people with their new eyeglasses and/or contact lenses. The job is primarily customer service oriented. The dispensing optician gets prescriptions from ophthalmologists and from them, figures out the lenses’ properties. Typically they will direct the customer’s choice of eyeglass frames with thoughtful questions about the customer’s lifestyle and habit. They will also help the customer decide on coatings and additional features also. Dispensing opticians draw up work orders so that the ophthalmic laboratory technicians can make the lenses. Dispensing opticians then make sure the work is done correctly and the customer is satisfied. Some dispensing opticians also repair or adjust damaged eyeglass frames.

Dispensing opticians need to be tactful and pleasant, as they deal directly with customers. They should also have good manual dexterity and attention to detail. A developed aesthetic sense is useful also.

Education and Credentials Required
More often than not, dispensing opticians are trained on the job. Ophthalmic laboratory technicians changing careers have an advantage, but employers typically hire people with no previous experience. An experienced optician, dispensing optician, or ophthalmologist will normally teach the trainee technical skills, office management, and sales. Some employers seek employees with postsecondary education; there are about 22 accredited associates degree programs.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for dispensing opticians are expected to rise as fast as average. Opportunities will be best in rural and low-income areas, due to the lower concentration of physicians practicing in these areas. The number of job openings will be limited, however, as there are relatively few jobs in the field to begin with.

Salary Range
The median salary, as of 2002, for dispensing opticians was $25,600. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income. Dispensing opticians rarely pay for their own health benefits and retirement, as they tend to not be self-employed.