1. Durham Technical Community College
Opticianry
Durham Technical Community College

2. What is an optician?
An eyecare professional specially trained to fit, manufacture, and dispense visual aid through the interpretation of a prescription.

3. Optician duties include:
Fit and adjusting frames
Fit Contact lenses
Take facial measurements
Aid the patient in the selection of lens treatments and/or designs
Repair frames
Educate the patient about eyewear
Maintain records (sales, prescriptions, inventory)
Surfacing and finishing of lenses
Apply lens treatments
Inspect lenses (ANSI standards)
Inspect contact lenses

4. Work environment
Opticians typically work in pleasant/professional setting
large optical chain stores
private OD or MD practice
optical boutique
Lab

5. Optical Lab

6. Careers of the field Dispensing optician Store manager
Sales representative
Lab tech
Optometric/ophthalmic assistant
Contact lens tech
Ocularist
Trainer/teacher

7. $$$
According to glassdoor.com, the national average salary is $41,670 and the Raleigh- Durham average salary is $51,386

8. Licensed states Alaska New Jersey Arizona New York Arkansas
North Carolina
California
Ohio
Connecticut
Rhode Island
Florida
South Carolina
Georgia
Tennessee
Hawaii
Vermont
Kentucky
Virginia
Massachusetts
Washington
Nevada
Puerto Rico

9. How do I become an Optician?
High school graduate
Successfully complete a 2 year Opticianry program accredited by the Commission on Opticianry Accreditation
Serve a 3.5 year apprenticeship and complete either a certificate program offered by an accredited Opticianry program or the career progression program offered by the National Academy of Opticianry
Pass national examinations administered by The American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners
Complete a 6 month internship while registered with the board under supervision of an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or a licensed dispensing optician

10. About the program at Durham Technical Community College
Durham Tech’s Opticianry program is compromised of online and in-class courses. It is a Hybrid program. It offers hand on training and prepares you for exams needed for licensure. It offer flexibility for those whom can not attend weekly by offering a monthly lab. Durham tech features an on-site Optical shop where students can gain experience by practicing with real patients. The program also provides externships where students gain practice and knowledge from a local business.

12. Optician Organizations
American Board of Opticianry: examine and certify opticians
Commission on Opticianry Accreditation: Accredits Opticianry training in the US and sets educational standards
Contact lens Society of America- dedicated to education, evolution, and promotion of contact lens technology
National Academy of Opticianry organization dedicated to education and training of all Opticians
National Federation of Opticianry Schools: dedicated to the promotion of formal Opticianry education by accredited institutions
North Carolina State Board of Opticianry

13. References