To
be a successful Optician you should:
- Have good eye/hand coordination.
- Be tactful, pleasant, and communicate well.
- Be able to see details and slight differences.
- Have excellent listening skills.
- Have the ability to be accurate using numbers in calculations.
|
| What
type of education and/or training do I need?
Training requirements vary by state with a high percentage
of Connecticut opticians receiving 2-year associate degrees.
Some dispensing opticians receive on-the-job training
or apprenticeships lasting two to four years under a licensed
optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. |
| Do
I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is required in the State of Connecticut. |
| Where
can I get more information? Opticians Association
of America
7023 Little River Tpke.
Suite 207
Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 916-8856
www.opticians.org
National Academy of Opticianry
8401 Corporate Dr.
Suite 605
Landover, MD 20785
(800) 229-4828 www.nao.org
|
| What
is the salary for this career? Many graduates
are making $42,020 and higher
(Source: bls.gov) |
|
| What
will my job be like? Opticians order, prepare,
and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses for patients, based
on a prescription from an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.
Opticians grind lenses and shape them to fit an eyeglass
frame and adjust the finished product to the customer.
They help their customers select the best eyewear in terms
of comfort, usefulness, and appearance. Opticians also
repair eyewear and replace lost or damaged lenses or parts. |
| Where
could I work? About 50 percent of opticians
in the work force work for ophthalmologists or optometrists
who sell glasses directly to patients.
Most dispensing opticians work a 40-hour week, although
some work longer hours. Those in retail stores may work
evenings and weekends. Some work part time.
Other workplace settings:
|
| What
is the future of this career? Employment in
this occupation is expected to increase as fast as the
average through 2008, as demand grows for corrective lenses.
Demand is also expected to grow in response to the availability
of new technologies that improve the quality and look
of corrective lenses. |
Where
can I get the education and/or training?
- Middlesex Community College, Middletown
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