Optical Schools

Educational background

The educational requirements for an optician vary greatly from state to state. In some areas, licenses and specific educational courses are required, while in others you can become an optician with on-the-job training.

The Opticians Association of America offers more detailed information on state-specific requirements. Their website is also a great resource for learning about online education (some shorter programs can be completed long-distance), National Opticians Conventions, state societies, and job opportunities.

Aside from the final qualifications required, all opticians should obtain a series of basic skills to ensure their success in the field. Associate's degrees in ophthalmic dispensing are available and should be enough in any area of the country to obtain the required license and certification. There are also independent classes or coursework involving formal training programs covering topics, such as:

Required accreditations

Most states require opticians to be accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation, the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) or the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). This means taking an exam and renewing certifications every three years through continuing education classes.

Even in states where a certification is not required, having one will make it easier to obtain a job, especially if your goal is to work in large hospitals or a medical office. If you plan on taking a job at a retail location, you may not need more than just practical knowledge to do so, as most positions of this kind offer on-the-job training.

Expected salary and job opportunities

If no licensing is required in your state, taking one of these exams will still greatly improve your career, especially from the financial point of view. According to the Occupational Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labor, opticians make between $35,800 and $45,600 per year, the highest numbers going to those who have a license and who work at medical locations. However, the average optician job pays $16 an hour regardless of location and experience.

• Prescribing glasses
• Performing eye surgery
• Providing corrective eyewear
• Following prescriptions or recommendations from optometrists or ophthalmologists. It's usually up to opticians to decide what type of eyewear is better for a person.
  • Math
  • Optical physics
  • Basic anatomy
  • Equipment use
  • Biology
  • Algebra
  • Geometrical optics