Are you considering pursuing a career in the medical field? Are you having difficulty deciding which type of medically related position that you want to work in? Do you enjoy working with the public and you are consistently able to deliver adequate customer service? Perhaps you should think about beginning a career as an optical assistant. As an optical assistant you will be helping an optometrist by performing administrative and clinical job responsibilities. Generally speaking, optical assistants work within a privately owned practice or a vision care clinic. It is important that you understand that optical assistants should not be confused with ophthalmic medical assistants, who primarily work alongside medical eye doctors. On any given day you will likely be responsible for answering the telephone to address patient needs and questions, greeting patients that come into the practice, maintaining patient records, handling and responding to correspondence, assisting with vision tests, teaching patients how to properly use glasses and contact lenses, and scheduling appointments for patients.
Although there are no formal requirements that you must complete to be able to work as an optical assistant, by completing some degree of formal training you are much more likely to become gainfully employed over less qualified individuals. Many local community colleges, vocational schools, and technical schools typically offer certificate type programs that can be completed in less than a year. Along with administrative type courses, you can also expect to complete courses related to CPR, optical equipment, and the anatomy and physiology of the eye. There are typically two certification options that are offered to students by the American Optometric Association.
Once you have at least six months of experience in this field it will be possible for you to sit for the examination, earn a passing score, and be designated as a Certified Paraoptometric. After earning this certification and completing a minimum of at least six more months of experience you will be able to complete the examination that will designate you as a Certified Paraoptometric Assistant. Take a few minutes and check out any of the schools on our site that seem to appeal to you and your educational goals. Feel free to request a complimentary information packet from any of these schools so that you will be informed about what they have to offer you. As previously mentioned, as an optical assistant you may be able to find work in a large optical organization, within a privately owned optical office, or within a hospital type setting. Should you decide to further your level of education you will have additional employment opportunities available to you. Find your AA, BA or MBA school that can train you for your optical assistant degree.
Thinking about becoming an optician? You'd be joining a field that is expected to grow 24% between 2014-2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is much faster than the national average as the aging population will need greater access to eye care services. Opticians, sometimes referred to as optical assistants, take the prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists and fit patients for eyeglasses. Opticians suggest different frames for each patient, taking into account factors such as the patient's occupation, age, and facial features. Taking measurements of features of a face, such as the temples, cornea and pupil distance, and nose bridge help with this process. Preparing the appropriate frames for the patient may also be in their job duties, depending on where they work. If the frames or lenses get bent or broken in any way, an optician is usually the person who repairs or replaces these. Another oft-overlooked duty of an optician is to provide care instructions and tips to patients. Working with contact lenses may require additional training and certification.
Opticians need to use fine tools to repair and adjust corrective eye wear, like eyeglasses. Therefore, they must possess a better than average level of dexterity. Depending on their role, opticians may also need a superior business acumen, as they might take a high level of ownership in the financial success of an optical store that they run. The most applicable skills in this role would be sales and inventory management. Lastly, opticians need to be particularly adept at customer service, possessing strong interpersonal skills as they will need to meet and greet with patients, then listen to their needs before suggesting certain products or giving tips for care. If these job duties and qualities sound like you, there is plenty of opportunity to find a job in the field! In this article we'll be discussing how to become an optician, as well as the various certifications and exams necessary to become licensed.
Level of Education Needed to Become an Optician Assistant
No matter which path you take to becoming an optician, you will always need to have a high school diploma or a GED. Beyond this, the education that is required varies state by state, so it can be a frustrating endeavor to try to figure out all the steps to becoming an optician. Luckily, we will cover the basics in this article, but to avoid any confusion your best bet is to reach out to your state's optician association to learn more about the process and the exact requirements. While some states have no educational requirements, and it is possible to become certified as an optician with nothing more than a high school diploma, most employers in those states will want to see at least an associate's degree in order to get hired. In general, there are three tracks to becoming an optician, and some of them are interchangeable, but they are: simply take a certification test, do a 2 year apprenticeship with a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist, or earn your certificate or associate's degree. We'll discuss these last two in this section, but for more information about the certification exams skip to the end of this article.
• Apprenticeship Route – An apprenticeship will see you performing the basic functions of an optician under the supervision of a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. You will perform simple tasks, such as taking measurements of the faces of patients or adjusting frames. During these apprenticeships, office management, customer service, and sales skills are typically highlighted as well. Since the field is heavily reliant on technical skill, these skills are passed on like any trade, from mentor to student through hands-on experience in real situations. An apprenticeship program can be completed in lieu of a formal education program in many states, especially states that are in charge of their own regulation of the industry. Degree programs are extremely rare, which we will discuss below, so for many this is the only way into the profession.
Apprentice programs may require a certain number of hours, if there is regulation in your state. They may also be offered by large corporations or programs and they may be called training programs, or something similar, rather than apprenticeships. Typically, sponsors of these programs must submit an outline of the program to a regulatory body, outlining the curriculum and defining clear skills that were learned during the apprenticeship. Popular topics in these programs includes: anatomy, physiology, mechanical optics, geometrical optics, ophthalmic lenses, and fitting and repairing eye wear, including mountings and frames. Of course, learning to take measurements such as interpupillary distance, nose bridge, corneal curvatures, and multifocal seg heights will be part of the experience as well. Despite the fact that the requirements vary by state, the skills learned are transferable, as is the certification to practice provided the regulatory board of the state where you move to is satisfied with your curriculum and experience. The nice thing about taking on an apprenticeship role is that you will get paid while you learn. On average, apprentice opticians made about $8-$12 per hour at large corporations like LensCrafters and Walmart, depending on their location and how long they had been in the program, among other factors.
• Formal Education Route – Earning a post-secondary certificate or associate's degree is often the best bet to land you the most competitive jobs in the field. The problem is that they are few and far between, with only 21 programs in the country earning an accreditation from the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation. These programs are located in only 14 states, making attendance at one of these programs too much of a financial burden for many hopeful opticians. However, many community college offer a program that will get you the knowledge you need to pass the accredited tests for certification. It's of utmost importance that you check with your state's regulatory board to determine if a program will help you meet the qualifications of the job.
An associate's degree or post-secondary certificate educational program will take two years, the same amount of time that an apprenticeship would take you. Courses taught in these programs include titles such as: Customer Service, Optical Laboratory Theory, Ophthalmic Procedures, Opticianry Management, and Current Trends in Opticianry. These courses are taught alongside general education requirements, giving you a broad base of knowledge with which to enter the work force. As you may have guessed, earning advancement in your career as an optician may be easier with an associate's degree. Your knowledge in principles of management and professionalism may help when you attempt to get a better position such as owning your own optical store or becoming a store manager at an optical store. You may even find yourself designing eye wear or becoming a direct salesman for specially made frames from a manufacturer. A broader knowledge base will make you more fitting for these positions than someone who completed an apprenticeship or simply passed their certification exam. The associate's degrees are typically awarded as Associate of Applied Science degrees in Opticianry. The average cost for one of these programs is about $30,000 - $35,000, which is equal to about one year's salary after you have graduated and found a position. It's important to think about this comparably hefty price tag and what it might be worth to you before you choose to attend a degree program. If you are looking to eventually be promoted into management, or perhaps go back to school to become an optometrist or ophthalmologist, this is probably your best option.
The cost and added time involved with getting a license is something to consider if you are thinking about becoming an optician. Getting your license to be an optician varies state by state, and some are more strict than others. All in all, 23 states require licensure, while the other 27 do not have this requirement. However, it's important to note that in states that require no license, different employers will often have their own internal prerequisites. So if you live in a state that does not require a license, it's important to reach out and find out what these qualifications are before you decide to become an optician. These are the states (in alphabetical order) that require a state-issued license to become an optician. If a state is not on this list, that means no license is required. The prices quoted are estimates and may not reflect the exact cost in 2017, but are included to give you a general idea when you go to budget anticipated your expenses. While multiple licensing exams are available, oftentimes only one needs to be completed to gain a license:
• Alabama – 2 years of apprenticeship, then pay a business license fee.
• Alaska – ABO & NCLE exams, 10 hours of continuing education every year. Renewal required every 2 years.
Application fee: $50
License fee : $200
Renewal fee: $200
Apprentice registration fee: $175
• Arizona – ABO, NCLE, & state practical exams, 12 hours of continuing education over the course of 3 years (4 hours in spectacles, 3 hours in contact lenses, and 1 hour in national optician standards are all mandatory). Renewal required every year.
Application fee: $100
License fee: $100
Renewal fee: $135
• Arkansas – State licensing exam & 9 hours of continuing education over the course of 2 years (cannot be online). Renewal is required every 2 years.
Application fee: $200
Apprenticeship registration fee: $60
Renewal fee: $60
• California – ABO & NCLE exams & 18-21 hours of continuing education depending on which exams were taken. Renewal required every 2 years.
Application fee: $100
Renewal fee: $100
• Connecticut – ABO, NCLE, & state practical exams, 7 hours of continuing education, provided by the Connecticut Department of Health Optician Licensure. Renewal required every year.
Application fee: $200
Renewal fee: $200
• Florida – ABO, NCLE, & state exams, 20 hours of continuing education over the course of 2 years (11 hours directly related to technical practice, 2 hours in laws and rules, 4 hours in contact lenses, and 2 hours in prevention of medical errors are mandatory). Renewal required every 2 years.
Application fee: $100
NCSORB Exam Fee: $325
License fee: $155
Apprenticeship registration fee: $60
Certification application fee: $50
• Georgia – ABO, NCLE, & state practical exams, 10 hours of continuing education over 2 years (only 5 hours can be completed online). Renewal required every 2 years.
Application fee: $115
Apprenticeship registration fee: $35
Renewal fee: $65
• Hawaii – ABO & NCLE exams. Renewal required every 2 years.
Application fee: $20
License fee: $20
(There are various other fees charged in June and July for the Compliance Resolution Fund)
• Kentucky – ABO, NCLE, & state practical exams, 6 hours of continuing education per year (cannot be online courses). Renewal required every year.
Application fee: $50
Exam fee: $50
Apprenticeship registration fee: $50
Renewal fee: $50
• Massachusetts – ABO, NCLE & state practical exams, 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years (6 hours in spectacles and 6 hours in contact lenses are required). Renewal required every 2 years.
Application fee: $59
Renewal fee: $82
• Nevada – ABO, NCLE, & state exams, 12-14 hours of continuing education (7 hours in contact lenses is required). Renewal required every year.
Application fee: $350
Apprenticeship registration fee: $100
Apprenticeship renewal fee: $50
Renewal fee: $300
• New Hampshire – Submit an application for a certificate of registration. 8 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
Application fee: $100
Renewal fee: $100
• New Jersey – State exam, 12 hours of continuing education over 2 years (3 hours must be in contact lenses). Renewal required every 2 years.
Application fee: $100
Apprenticeship registration fee: $300
• New York – ABO, NCLE, & state practical exam, 18 hours of continuing education over 3 years (3 hours must be in contact lenses). Renewal required every 3 years.
Application fee: $100
Apprenticeship registration fee: $30
• North Carolina – State exam, 8 hours of continuing education per year (4 hours in spectacles and 4 hours in contact lenses are required). Renewal required every year.
Application fee: $200
Exam fee: $200
Apprenticeship registration fee: $25
• Ohio – ABO & NCLE exams, 12 hours of continuing education per year (4 hours in spectacles is required).
Application fee: $50
Apprenticeship registration fee: $20
• Rhode Island – ABO & state practical exams, 12 hours of continuing education over 2 years. Renewal required every 2 years.
Application fee: $30
• South Carolina – ABO, NCLE, & state practical exams, 8 hours of continuing education over 2 years. Renewal required every 2 years.
Application fee: $25
Apprenticeship registration fee: $20
• Tennessee – ABO, NCLE & state exams, 9 hours of continuing education over 2 years (2 hours in contact lenses, 4 hours in spectacles, and 1 hour in ethics are mandatory). Renewal required every 2 years.
Application fee: $270
Apprenticeship registration fee: $110
• Vermont – ABO exam, 10 hours of continuing education over 2 years. Renewal required every 2 years.
Application fee: $100
Renewal fee: $200
Apprenticeship registration fee: $50
Apprenticeship renewal fee: $100
• Virginia – ABO, NCLE, & state practical exams. Renewal required every 2 years.
Exam fee: $125-350
• Washington – State exams, 30 hours of continuing education over 3 years (15 hours in contact lenses is required). Renewal required every year.
Exam fee: $200
Apprenticeship registration fee: $75
Renewal fee: $100
American Board of Opticianry (ABO) Exams
The American Board of Opticianry administers the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE). This test is geared towards opticians that are looking to specialize in eyeglasses. This test is the barometer for opticians hoping to dispense eyeglasses in 90% of states. In order to take the test, you must be 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma. The NOCE is offered four times a year in the months of February, May, August, and November. Hopeful opticians must register for the test five weeks in advance, though late registration extends up until four weeks before the test. The price of the NOCE is standardized at $225 for regular pricing and $300 for late registrants and it is administered via computer at PSY Test Centers. The test itself can take anywhere from two to two and a half hours. Test takers must pass with a score of 70 or higher, though it's important to not that this is not a percentage but a scaled score, based on a number of factors such as the difficulty of the questions. Results are typically received within six weeks of the end of the exam. Test takers who fail are mailed a helpful diagnostic report, which indicates the subjects in which they scored high and low. However, these candidates may not take the test again during the next period, but must wait for the test period that follows that to try again.
The subjects covered on the test are:
• Laws, Regulations, and Standards (5% of total grade)
• Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology (7% of total grade)
• Dispensing Procedures (15% of total grade)
• Instrumentation (16% of total grade)
• Ophthalmic Products (23% of total grade)
• Ophthalmic Optics (34% of total grade)
Though these licensing tests are not required in every state, they are available, and a vast majority of employers will prefer you pass an exam, have formal education, or have substantial experience in the field before they will hire you. Those who achieve licensing by these established boards can also hope to see as much as 20% more in pay from employers on average.
National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) Exams
The National Contact Lens Examiners administer the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE). Whereas the NOCE test is geared towards opticians that want to specialize in distributing eyeglasses, the CLRE is meant for those that want to specialize in distributing contact lenses. An aspiring optician may take both the NOCE and the CLRE or they may take one or the other. Which test they take will depend, in most cases, on the position that they would like to obtain as it is not necessary to pass the CLRE if someone will not be distributing contact lenses. These tests are administered via computer at designated PSY Test Centers. The exam is comprised of questions that don't necessarily test your ability to cram for a test, but everyday knowledge that you will definitely use as a practicing optician. Test takers must pass with a score of 72 or higher, though it's important to not that this is not a percentage but a scaled score, based on a number of factors such as the difficulty of the questions. Scores are typically received within 6 weeks of the test date. Those that fail cannot take the test again the following session, but must wait for the next session after that to try again.
This exam lasts up to two and a half hours and covers a wide range of topics such as:
• Follow-Up (covers subjective and objective findings, 19% of total grade)
• Diagnostic Fitting (18% of total grade)
• Instrumentation for Measurement and Observation (16% of total grade)
• Prefitting (14% of total grade)
• Ocular Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology (10% of total grade)
• Dispensing (10% of total grade)
• Refractive Errors (8% of total grade)
• Regulatory (5% of total grade)
Though these licensing tests are not required in every state, they are available, and a vast majority of employers will prefer you pass an exam, have formal education, or have substantial experience in the field before they will hire you. Those who achieve licensing by these established boards can also hope to see as much as 20% more in pay from employers on average.