Applicant
Optician
Optometric/Ophthalmic
Technician
Employment
Certification
Certificate Program
Associate Program
Requirements
Cost
How to Apply

Some opticians own their own optical business, although most of them are one-or two-person operations. Sometimes the optician will have a full-time person to answer the phone, make appointments, and assist in the selection of eyeglass frames. Many dispensing opticians work for retail optical shops and department stores. Many opticians work directly for ophthalmologists or optometrists. A small number work in hospitals and in prescription departments of wholesale optical laboratories. Occasionally, optical technicians work in wholesale optical laboratories. Others are involved with dispensing as well as bench-type work, or work for dispensing opticians. Opto metric technicians work directly for a doctor of optometry. The optometrists may own their own private practice or work as associates for large vision care chains. Ophthalmic assistants and technicians work directly for the ophthalmologist. The ophthalmologists may own their own practice or be an associate with a group of physicians. Many ophthalmologists perform eye surgery in the hospital facilities but practice within their office.

Job Market
Vision care technicians are in high demand. Career opportunities and job placements have never been better than they are now and the future continues to look even brighter. The need for vision care technicians is based on the growing demand for additional technicians and replacement of existing jobs.

As the population continues to grow and age, the demand for corrective lenses and increased eye care will grow proportionately. Based on projections by the OSCAR Occupational Characteristics Narrative, employment is expected to have a 37.21% increase in vision care into the year 2005.

The annual salary range for certified vision care technicians is from $13,500 to 31,500. The program will assist each graduate in job placement.