Optician (Dispensing)
Job Description
A dispensing optician's job is to take prescriptions and use them to fit patients with actual eyeglasses or contact lenses which meet their vision adjustment needs.
Alternatively, for patients lacking a prescription from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, the dispensing optician uses a lensometer to determine the exact strength of the current eyeglass prescription, possibly confirming this with the examining ophthalmologist or by consulting the patient's medical records.
Responsibilities
When fulfilling prescriptions, opticians take measurements that improve eyeglass fit, checking the space between the lens and the eye and noting the distance between the patient's pupils.
They develop a recommendation for lenses, lens coatings, and eyeglass frames based both on the prescription and on the patient's facial structure, and life habits such as work and recreation that help determine the kind of prescription eyewear needed.
Their responsibilities include the following:
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Discuss the client's eyewear needs
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Choose the appropriate frame to satisfy the client's comfort, appearance and prescription requirements
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Discuss and recommend types of lenses and lens enhancements
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Ensure lenses conform to the prescription of the ophthalmologist (eye specialist) or optometrist
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Shape lenses and fit them to frames, ensuring they meet quality standards
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Ensure the new eyewear fits correctly and comfortably
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Carry out minor repairs to damaged frames
Skills
| Sales | Must have the ability to provide a person with something they didn't know they needed. It's good to be able to up-sell and make the patient feel good about spending money on themselves. |
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Detail-Oriented |
Pay attention to detail so as to determine any problems and fix them or to discover little issues that go unnoticed. |
| Communication | Be able to work and communicate with people to help them feel good about their glasses and to best fit them to what they need or want. |
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Mathematics |
Must be able to use Math to solve complex problems |
| Dexterity | Must be nimble with your fingers and good with your hands. You work with small parts and little screws, so you must be able to handle meticulous fixes. |
Working Conditions
Working conditions for dispensing opticians are generally pleasant, in clean, well-appointed, clearly lighted office situations.
They must spend extended periods standing and be prepared to deal with some minor work dangers, such as cutting glass, using certain chemicals, and operating small pieces of machinery.
Some dispensing opticians work alone, possibly part-time or with a standard 5-day work week, serving patients sequentially in a small retail location or at a medical office.
Others, who are more likely to need to work evenings or weekends, perform their tasks as part of a team at a larger location, filling eyeglass prescriptions for multiple patients at one time.
Salary Outlook
| Estimated Annual Salary | Average Hourly Wage | Positions Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| $36,260.00 | $17.43 | 75,000 |