DISPENSING OPTICIANS Number 167 Interest Area 13 1998
THE JOB
DISPENSING OPTICIANS are health professionals who fit and adjust eyewear for customers whose eyesight has been tested by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
This guide describes two optical dispensing occupations: Registered Spectacle Lens Dispensers (RSLDs) and Registered Contact Lens Dispensers (RCLDs).
RSLDs use their knowledge of optics and mathematics to fill prescriptions written by doctors and determine the eyeglass frame and lens combination that best fits the customer's vision needs. They help select the right material and lens design to fit the customer's life style and facial measurements, and then prepare a work order for the laboratory.
When the finished glasses are returned from the laboratory, RSLDs use optical tools and gauges to make sure that the glasses match the work order. Opticians adjust glasses to fit their customers comfortably. Some Dispensing Opticians also grind and polish the lenses and mount them into frames.
RCLDs fit contact lenses by measuring the shape and size of the eye. They select the type of contact lens material and train the wearer to insert and remove the lenses and clean and maintain them properly. Opticians use various instruments to help select and fit contact lenses for their customers.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Dispensing Opticians work indoors in attractive, well-lighted, comfortable surroundings. They work in retail optical stores and in eye clinics. They may work in small stores where customers are served one at a time or in large stores where several Dispensing Opticians serve a number of customers at once.
Opticians deal with customers most of the time and may spend a lot of time on their feet. If they also prepare lenses, they must take precautions against the hazards associated with glass grinding, chemicals and machinery. RSLDs may join the California Association of Dispensing Opticians.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 6,950 Estimated number of workers in 2005 8,440 Projected Growth 1993-2005 21% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 2,150
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
This occupation is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations in California. The existing supply of qualified workers generally meets the demand of qualified workers. Still, employers reported some difficulty recruiting qualified Dispensing Opticians in more rural area.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wages, hours, and fringe benefits for Dispensing Opticians vary with the type, size, and location of their employers. Beginning opticians earn an average between the minimum wage and $8.00 per hour. With experience, they earn an average from $6.75 to $19.00 hourly. Union wages may be higher.
Large chains may pay opticians on a commission basis. When the Dispensing Optician reaches company sales goals, bonuses are often given as incentives for attaining higher sales.
Opticians usually work eight hours per day, and they may work evenings and weekends. Most employers offer paid vacation and sick leave, and medical and vision insurance, and many provide dental and life insurance and retirement plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Currently, most Dispensing Opticians are trained on the job by employers. Training may take up to two years, and opticians can take up to five years to become fully qualified. Some larger optical companies give their new employees formal classroom coursework combined with on-the-job training.
Training programs for opticians are scarce in California. Most opticians gain experience working on the job. According to the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards, formal apprenticeship programs for opticians to train under the supervision of an experienced Dispensing Optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist can still be approved. However, employers have not requested formal apprenticeship contracts for new hires in California for the past several years.
Employers rated good basic math skills as very important for Dispensing Opticians. They also need a talent for precise work, steady hands and a good sense of color. They should really enjoy dealing with people--the work involves close, personal contact with customers. Cheerfulness, tact, communication skills and the ability to inspire customer confidence are other important personal attributes. Opticians need the ability to read and follow instructions exactly and to write legibly.
The California Registered Dispensing Optician Licensing Program licenses RSLDs and RCLDs. Candidates for licensing must work for a registered dispensing optician firm and pass the exam given by American Board of Opticianry (RSLDs) or the National Contact Lens Examiners (RCLDs). Licenses must be renewed every three years.
ADVANCEMENT
Advancement usually means increased earnings and responsibility as opticians gain experience and continue their education. In large retail optical stores, Dispensing Opticians may advance to management positions. Still others enter the wholesale optical industry of lenses, frames, optical instruments, or tools.
For other career development options, opticians can improve their sales and management skills through college coursework or cross-train into laboratory technology. Some Dispensing Opticians manage retail optical stores or open their own stores.
FINDING THE JOB
Jobseekers should apply directly to retail optical stores, and eye clinics and register with the nearest California Employment Development Department Job Service office. Employers often hire referrals from their own employees. They also list openings with opticianry schools and in newspaper want ads and trade journals. Successful jobseekers use all of these job-lead resources and also network through friends and professional association members.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Association of Dispensing Opticians P.O. Box 763 Manteca, CA 95336 (213) 681-7597
Registered Dispensing Optician Licensing Program 1430 Howe Avenue, Suite 88 Sacramento, CA 95825-3236 (916) 263-2634
Opticians Association of America/National Contact Lens Examiners 10341 Democracy Lane Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 691-8355 www.opticians.org
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Dental Assistants No. 27 Optical Laboratory Technicians/Opticians No. 97
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Optician, Dispensing (retail trade) 299.361-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Precision Optical Goods Workers 325140
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162
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