An Optician, or Dispensing Optician, is responsible for helping customers achieve the right type of eyeglasses, lense shape or contact lenses in accordance with their eyesight or eye conditions. Their duties include communicating with other eye care professionals to receive prescriptions and send them to Laboratory Technicians, providing customers with sample frames to fit their prescriptions and maintaining accurate customer data regarding their current or updated prescriptions.
A Optician should be able to fulfill various duties and responsibilities. The following are some duties and responsibilities a Optician should be able to execute:
- Interpreting the results of eye examinations, using prescriptions written by Optometrists and Ophthalmologists
- Advising patients on frame weights, materials, styles and colors
- Recommending lenses, coatings and frames to suit customers’ needs
- Measuring customers to determine suitable types and styles of frames
- Adjusting frames so they fit properly
- Preparing orders for glasses and contact lenses by checking prescriptions, lens thickness and other specifications
A competitive Optician will have certain skills and qualifications, including:
- Training and certification in fitting contact lenses
- Excellent attention to detail, particularly for interpreting prescriptions and checking lenses
- Strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical information clearly to customers
- Familiarity with optical products
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team
