Optician
Also known as: spectacle dispensing optician, corrective lens dispenser, dispensing optician, optician expert, contact lens optician, expert optician
About this occupation
Opticians help to improve and correct an individual's vision according to prescriptions provided by a specialised doctor in ophthalmology or an optometrist. They fit spectacle lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices to the specifications of both the individual and the prescription. Opticians do not test patients vision nor write prescriptions for visual correction. Their scope of practice varies according to national regulations.
Essential skills and knowledge
- work in multidisciplinary health teams
- work in a multicultural environment in health care
- quality standards of ophthalmic equipment
- use lensometer
- adjust eyeglasses to fit customers
- advise customers on eyewear maintenance
- verify lenses compliance
- cut lenses for eyeglasses
- empathise with the healthcare user
- educate on the prevention of illness
- follow clinical guidelines
- repair lenses
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Opticians, Dispensing (O*NET 29-2081.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Measure clients' bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes, using measuring devices.
- Verify that finished lenses are ground to specifications.
- Evaluate prescriptions in conjunction with clients' vocational and avocational visual requirements.
- Recommend specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit client needs.
- Assist clients in selecting frames according to style and color, and ensure that frames are coordinated with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions.
- Maintain records of customer prescriptions, work orders, and payments.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Realistic, Enterprising
Top skills: Speaking, Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Service Orientation, Writing
US median pay: US$47,260 a year (2025), 73,530 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.9)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.7)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.5)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.2)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.1)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
- Optometrists
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
- Endoscopy Technicians
- Medical Equipment Preparers
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Pharmacy Aides
- Medical Assistants
- Hearing Aid Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.