Prescription eye wear has become one of the most popular fashion accessories in the world. Millions of pairs of glasses are sold each year in optical retail stores, optometry offices, and ophthalmology clinics around the globe. With so many options available to consumers, it is no surprise that an industry specializing in eye wear selection and fitting has developed over the years.
While shopping at a retail optical store, customers will usually be assisted by someone who understands even the smallest differences between the frames that are available. These specialists are referred to as opticians and they have the skills necessary to help customers find just the right style of frame and ensure that they fit comfortably.
In order to be a successful optician, one must enjoy working directly with customers on a daily basis. Each customer that enters the store will have a slightly different need that must be met. An optician who is understanding, compassionate, genuine, and enthusiastic will be received well by most customers. Optical employers are often looking for individuals who demonstrate these personality traits to fill available optician positions.
Much of the success that an optician experiences can be attributed to the personality traits that they possess. Employers want opticians who can charm customers while working well with other members of the eye care team. Individuals who lack these skills often do not last very long in the industry. Technical skills are generally considered secondary to personality because they can be taught.
If you have determined that you have the type of personality required to be a successful optician, then it becomes time to evaluate your level of technical skill. While opticians may make their job look easy, there are actually a number of considerations that go into finding and fitting the perfect frame. In general, an optician will be expected to understand how to collect eye measurements, adjust frames, repair damaged frames, alter lenses, and resolve conflicts that might arise.
One major aspect of the optician job description is the ability to understand a wide variety of tastes in fashion and style. A good optician should be capable of pairing particular frames with specific types of style. In some offices, an optician may also be asked to perform general office upkeep, repair damaged frames, keep track of inventory, resolve customer complaints, and a variety of other tasks.
The road to becoming an optician often varies depending on the state under consideration. Some states have laws that require opticians to complete a degree program or an apprenticeship. An opticianry degree program generally lasts 2 years while an apprenticeship consists of a set number of hours of supervised training. When completing an apprenticeship, states generally expect opticians to register as an apprentice prior to beginning the training process.
States that have optician regulations usually also require that opticians successfully pass the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Examination and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Examination. It is usually recommended that all opticians voluntarily complete these exams regardless of state requirements because they are viewed favorably by employers. Opticians who work in states that have no regulations will generally be trained on-the-job by an experienced optician.
While shopping at a retail optical store, customers will usually be assisted by someone who understands even the smallest differences between the frames that are available. These specialists are referred to as opticians and they have the skills necessary to help customers find just the right style of frame and ensure that they fit comfortably.
In order to be a successful optician, one must enjoy working directly with customers on a daily basis. Each customer that enters the store will have a slightly different need that must be met. An optician who is understanding, compassionate, genuine, and enthusiastic will be received well by most customers. Optical employers are often looking for individuals who demonstrate these personality traits to fill available optician positions.
Much of the success that an optician experiences can be attributed to the personality traits that they possess. Employers want opticians who can charm customers while working well with other members of the eye care team. Individuals who lack these skills often do not last very long in the industry. Technical skills are generally considered secondary to personality because they can be taught.
If you have determined that you have the type of personality required to be a successful optician, then it becomes time to evaluate your level of technical skill. While opticians may make their job look easy, there are actually a number of considerations that go into finding and fitting the perfect frame. In general, an optician will be expected to understand how to collect eye measurements, adjust frames, repair damaged frames, alter lenses, and resolve conflicts that might arise.
One major aspect of the optician job description is the ability to understand a wide variety of tastes in fashion and style. A good optician should be capable of pairing particular frames with specific types of style. In some offices, an optician may also be asked to perform general office upkeep, repair damaged frames, keep track of inventory, resolve customer complaints, and a variety of other tasks.
The road to becoming an optician often varies depending on the state under consideration. Some states have laws that require opticians to complete a degree program or an apprenticeship. An opticianry degree program generally lasts 2 years while an apprenticeship consists of a set number of hours of supervised training. When completing an apprenticeship, states generally expect opticians to register as an apprentice prior to beginning the training process.
States that have optician regulations usually also require that opticians successfully pass the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Examination and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Examination. It is usually recommended that all opticians voluntarily complete these exams regardless of state requirements because they are viewed favorably by employers. Opticians who work in states that have no regulations will generally be trained on-the-job by an experienced optician.
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If you want to make a career change, you will need to learn about the optician training statutes in your state. It is also recommended that you begin learning about important government offices, state forms, and optician training institutions.
