Optician Career Information and Job Description.Parts 1

 *Career job information for job seekers and find good  employment  job

 

Optician Career and Job Highlights

• Because of the small size of the profession, relatively few jobs will be available.
• Increased desire for glasses and fashion frames will fuel job growth.
• Almost half of all States require a license to practice. Most receive on-the-job training by working hands-on for 2 years or more.

Optician Career Information and Job Description

Using the prescriptions ophthalmologists and optometrists write for their patients, dispensing opticians make glasses and contacts.

The prescription designates the specifications of the lenses to be used in the glasses or contacts. Opticians gather information from the patient—such as what they will be use the glasses for, level of activity, and facial features—and make recommendations to the patient using the prescription about which type of frames and lenses would be best for them. Additional duties include taking measurements of clients’ eyes, such as the distance from the lens to the eye surface, or how far it is from pupil to pupil. A lensometer can be used to take measurements for clients who do not have a prescription. Opticians may also look up the clients’ records or verify information with the clients’ eye doctors.

The lenses are ground and put into the chosen frames by ophthalmic laboratory technicians based on orders placed by opticians, though some opticians do the grinding and placing themselves. Attention is paid to the style, color, and shape of the frames the client chose, as well as any special coatings that should be placed on the lenses. Opticians are responsible for verifying that the completed glasses meet all the specifications. They fit the glasses to the client’s face, bending the frames to ensure they fit just like the client desires. Opticians help new eyeglass wearers adjust to a new lifestyle with glasses; others repair broken frames or lenses.

Specialties in false eyes, contact lenses, or cosmetic fittings to cover eye imperfections are available to dispensing opticians. Those who specialize in contact lenses must take careful measurements of a client’s eyes, recording the measurements, prescription, and other lens specifications to place on the work order. Fitting the contact lens properly to the client’s eyes is a lengthy process that requires patience and exactness. Using tools and microscopes, the optician makes observations of the client’s eyes and surrounding parts to ensure that the lenses will fit correctly and comfortably.

Day to day duties include record keeping, accounting, inventory, sales, work order placement, and customer service. ( jobs employment )