Over half the people in the United States use some form of corrective lenses (eyeglasses or contact lenses). These corrective lenses are prepared and fitted by dispensing opticians who are also called ophthalmic dispensers. Working with the prescription received from an ophthalmologist (eye physician) or optometrist, the dispensing optician provides the customer with appropriate eyeglasses. He or she measures the customer's face, aids in the selection of the appropriate frames, directs the work of ophthalmic laboratory technicians who grind the lenses, and fits the completed eyeglasses.
In many states, dispensing opticians also fit contact lenses, which requires even more skill, care, and patience than the preparation and fitting of eyeglasses. Opticians measure the corneas of the customer's eyes and, following the ophthalmologist's or optometrist's prescription, prepare specifications for the contact lens manufacturer. The optician will instruct the customer on how to insert, remove, and care for the contact lenses and will provide follow-up attention during the first few weeks.
Some dispensing opticians specialize in the fitting of artificial eyes and cosmetic shells to cover blemished eyes. Some also do their own lens grinding.
Most dispensing opticians work for retail optical shops or other retail stores with optical departments. Ophthalmologists and optometrists who sell glasses directly to patients also employ dispensing opticians, as do hospitals and eye clinics. A number of dispensing opticians operate their own retail shops and sell other optical goods such as binoculars, magnifying glasses, and sunglasses.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Dispensing opticians are located throughout the United States with most employed in large cities and in the more populous states. Working conditions are usually quiet and clean with a workweek of five or six days. Dispensing opticians who own their own businesses usually work longer hours than those employed by retail shops or by ophthalmologists and optometrists.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
The ability to do precision work is essential for anyone planning a career as a dispensing optician. Patience, tact, and the ability to deal with people are other valuable assets.
Applicants for entry-level jobs in this field need a high school diploma with courses in the basic sciences. High school courses in physics, algebra, geometry, and mechanical drawing are especially valuable.
Most opticians acquire their skills through on-the-job training. A small number of dispensing opticians learn their trade in the armed forces. In addition, large manufacturers of contact lenses offer non-degree courses in lens-fitting.
Forty programs offer a two-year full-time course in optical fabricating and dispensing which leads to an associate's degree; 15 are accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation. Students learn optical mathematics, optical physics, and the use of precision measuring instruments.
Apprenticeship programs lasting from two to five years are also available. In these programs, the students study optometric technical subjects and basic office management and sales and work directly with patients in the fitting of eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Dispensing opticians must be licensed in at least 22 states. Specific requirements vary from state to state but generally include minimum standards of education and training along with a written or practical examination.
Potential and advancement
About 75,200 persons work as dispensing opticians. Employment opportunities in this field are expected to increase steadily as the population increases. Increased health insurance coverage, Medicare services, and state programs to provide eye care to low-income families—along with current fashion trends, which encourage sales of more than one pair of glasses to individual buyers—will add to the demand for dispensing opticians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the field will grow by 24% between 2014 and 2024, providing excellent job and advancement opportunities.
Many dispensing opticians go into business for themselves. Others advance to positions in the management of retail optical stores or become sales representatives for wholesalers or manufacturers of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Income
Earnings for dispensing opticians vary a great deal. The highest earnings are in those states that require licensure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average dispensing optician earned $34,840 in 2015.
Additional sources of information
National Academy of Opticianry, Bowie, MD 20715
Opticians Association of America, Fairfax, VA 22030
