ClassifiedsOpticianry and The Three O's of Eye Care
Opticians are eyewear experts, especially trained to interpret prescriptions, select lenses and frames and fit the eyeglasses, contact lenses or low vision aids to the patient’s specific needs.
Optometrists are doctors of optometry who are trained to examine eyes for defects in vision and to diagnose diseases of the eye. They provide a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct vision deficiencies.
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in treating eyes. They treat diseases and injuries, perform surgery and examine eyes for vision deficiencies. They also provide a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
What is an Optician?
Dispensing opticians are allied health professionals who fit eyeglasses or contact lenses, using prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists. Eyewear is the term used for eyeglasses, contact lenses and low vision aids.
Dispensing opticians are allied health professionals who fit eyeglasses or contact lenses, using prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists. Eyewear is the term used for eyeglasses, contact lenses and low vision aids.
What Does an Optician Do?
An optician performs the following tasks in fitting and dispensing eyewear:
An optician performs the following tasks in fitting and dispensing eyewear:
- Gathers eye use data from the patient (information about their job, hobbies, sports, reading habits, etc.)
- Determines relationship between the prescription and frame design; and facial features and frame design.
- Determines personal preference of patient for frames.
- Advises on appropriate frames, based on prescription and facial features.
- Presents frames and helps make selection.
- Obtains patients previous records.
- Records current information.
- Copies prescription information onto the order form.
- Verifies prescription against old records and with examining doctor if necessary.
- At the doctors direction may perform vision assessment and other procedures.
- Takes patients eye measurements.
- Determines lens materials to be used.
- Determines lens tint or coatings.
- Completes order for forwarding to lab.
- Check glasses when received from the lab for frame style, color, size, tint, coating, and quality of work; checks with lensometer for optical correctness; returns to lab if necessary.
- Contact patient to dispense eyewear.
- Checks fit and adjust glasses for comfort.
- Conducts reading test.
- Instructs on care and use of glasses.
- Advises for follow-up care.
Follow-up Services
As follow-up services, opticians may adjust and refit glasses, repair broken frames, replace screws and broken lenses.
As follow-up services, opticians may adjust and refit glasses, repair broken frames, replace screws and broken lenses.
Contact Lenses
In contact lens fitting, opticians perform many of these same tasks, but also measures eye shape and size, select the type of contact lens materials and train the wearer in safely inserting and removing the lenses and in the proper cleaning and maintenance.
In contact lens fitting, opticians perform many of these same tasks, but also measures eye shape and size, select the type of contact lens materials and train the wearer in safely inserting and removing the lenses and in the proper cleaning and maintenance.
Where do Opticians Work?
More than 67,000 individuals are employed in optical dispensing in the United States. Approximately 10,000 own their own retail optical businesses and usually employ other opticians. Others work for ophthalmologists, or optometrists in their offices; are employed by large retail optical chain stores; or dispense eyewear in the optical department of large department stores or discounters. Finally, opticians may work for managed care companies that have their own optical dispensaries.
More than 67,000 individuals are employed in optical dispensing in the United States. Approximately 10,000 own their own retail optical businesses and usually employ other opticians. Others work for ophthalmologists, or optometrists in their offices; are employed by large retail optical chain stores; or dispense eyewear in the optical department of large department stores or discounters. Finally, opticians may work for managed care companies that have their own optical dispensaries.
Professional Credentials
There are twenty-one states that require licensure to dispense eyewear. All states require passing a written examination. Some states require graduation from a two-year program or completion of a formal apprenticeship program of a specified length before sitting for examination.
Many opticians choose to be nationally certified by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO), or the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). These certifications are gained upon successful completion of examinations and are maintained by attending approved continuing education courses.
Many opticians belong to professional organizations that provide continuing education, professional networking and career enhancement.
There are twenty-one states that require licensure to dispense eyewear. All states require passing a written examination. Some states require graduation from a two-year program or completion of a formal apprenticeship program of a specified length before sitting for examination.
Many opticians choose to be nationally certified by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO), or the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE). These certifications are gained upon successful completion of examinations and are maintained by attending approved continuing education courses.
Many opticians belong to professional organizations that provide continuing education, professional networking and career enhancement.
Reprinted with permission of Opticians Association of America, Annadale, VA.
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Opticians Association of Ohio 1100-H Brandywine Blvd. Zanesville, OH 43701-7303 1-800-661-5367 www.oao.org Email: info@oao.org |