Opticians
Opticians are important figures in the world of vision care. They’re at the forefront of customer care, making sure you find glasses or contact lenses that fit your style and preferences.
What Is an Optician?
When you head into the optical shop or eyewear retailer to pick out a new pair of glasses or buy some contacts, you’ll probably deal with the optician. The optician is an eyecare professional who interprets prescriptions for corrective lenses, explains your options and assists optometrists or ophthalmologists during eye exams.
Optician Education and Training
Licensure requirements vary by state. Most opticians need a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, but some states may require more education, like an associate degree. Many employers require a certification offered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). Depending on the state, a certain amount of experience may also be required to get licensed.
What Does an Optician Do?
Opticians fulfill a crucial function in patient care. Their duties include:
- Taking facial measurements. Your glasses need to fit well or they’ll either fall off your face or pinch the sides of your head.
- Interpreting prescription information. If you have any questions about your prescription, an optician should be able to help.
- Working with insurance companies. Opticians can help you make sense of your vision plan, so you know what you’ll be paying for your glasses or contacts.
- Helping with glasses and contact selection. While you can wander around and try on different frames to see what you like, the opticians are experts on the latest trends and can help you make selections consistent with your lifestyle.
- Educating customers about their options. The optician knows the difference between different lens coatings and technologies. They can help you navigate concepts like blue light filters and Transitions® lenses.
- Assisting the optometrist or ophthalmologists. In some settings, the optician may be trained to help the clinic’s eyecare professionals with eye exams and other tasks.
What Conditions Does an Optician Treat?
Opticians do not diagnose or treat eye conditions. You’ll need to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for that.
How Often Should You See an Optician?
Generally, you’ll need to see an optician when it’s time for a new pair of glasses or contact lenses. If your frames need an adjustment or repair, that’s a good time to stop in. How often should that be? It depends on your eye health. It’s essential to get an annual eye exam so that any potential issues are caught in advance and so you’re always using the correct prescription for your vision.
If it’s been more than a year, schedule an eye exam with Visionworks now. You may end up meeting with an optician afterward, depending on the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Opticians Doctors?
What’s the Difference Between Opticians and Ophthalmologists?
