What Does it Take to Be a Dispensing Optician?
Example of Dispensing Optician Job Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. Assist client with inserting, removing, and caring for contact lenses. Assist client with selecting frames. Measure customer for size of eyeglasses and coordinate frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepare work order for optical laboratory containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verify exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens position to fit client. May shape or reshape frames. Includes contact lens opticians.
List of Dispensing Optician Job Duties
- Grind lens edges, or apply coatings to lenses.
- Supervise the training of student opticians.
- Show customers how to insert, remove, and care for their contact lenses.
- Sell goods such as contact lenses, spectacles, sunglasses, and other goods related to eyes in general.
- Arrange and maintain displays of optical merchandise.
- Repair damaged frames.
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Dispensing Optician Skills
These are the skills Dispensing Opticians say are the most useful in their careers:
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Types of Dispensing Optician
- Licensed Optical Dispenser
- Contact Lens Technician
- Certified Optician
- Optician Apprentice
- Eyeglass Fitter
Job Opportunities for Dispensing Opticians
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 77,600 jobs in the United States for Dispensing Optician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 15.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 11,700 new jobs for Dispensing Optician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 7,000 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Dispensing Optician are Utah, Colorado, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Kansas, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Dispensing Opticians Make A Lot Of Money?
The average yearly salary of a Dispensing Optician ranges between $24,670 and $60,030.
Dispensing Opticians who work in New Jersey, Massachusetts, or New York, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Dispensing Opticians in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $32,660 |
| Alaska | $45,500 |
| Arizona | $37,990 |
| Arkansas | $36,940 |
| California | $42,760 |
| Colorado | $39,510 |
| Connecticut | $52,980 |
| Delaware | $36,770 |
| District of Columbia | $46,230 |
| Florida | $40,290 |
| Georgia | $36,330 |
| Hawaii | $44,780 |
| Idaho | $32,130 |
| Illinois | $37,360 |
| Indiana | $30,720 |
| Iowa | $33,560 |
| Kansas | $30,770 |
| Kentucky | $40,340 |
| Louisiana | $32,310 |
| Maine | $37,690 |
| Maryland | $44,290 |
| Massachusetts | $60,240 |
| Michigan | $35,910 |
| Minnesota | $39,510 |
| Mississippi | $31,990 |
| Missouri | $39,170 |
| Montana | $33,050 |
| Nebraska | $35,290 |
| Nevada | $40,520 |
| New Hampshire | $41,540 |
| New Jersey | $56,780 |
| New Mexico | $32,160 |
| New York | $54,730 |
| North Carolina | $42,200 |
| North Dakota | $33,900 |
| Ohio | $40,480 |
| Oklahoma | $31,770 |
| Oregon | $42,660 |
| Pennsylvania | $36,300 |
| Rhode Island | $46,660 |
| South Carolina | $37,910 |
| South Dakota | $30,490 |
| Tennessee | $37,720 |
| Texas | $34,690 |
| Utah | $30,750 |
| Vermont | $46,360 |
| Virginia | $46,700 |
| Washington | $44,750 |
| West Virginia | $32,640 |
| Wisconsin | $35,460 |
| Wyoming | $30,840 |
What Tools do Dispensing Opticians Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Dispensing Opticians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Point of sale POS software
- First Insight MaximEyes
- HealthLine Systems Eyecom
- Insight Software My Vision Express
- OfficeMate Software Solutions OfficeMate
How do I Become a Dispensing Optician?
Learn what Dispensing Optician education requirements there are.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Dispensing Optician?
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those who work as a Dispensing Optician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Robert Barnett via public domain
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