Optical technician? Optician? Optometrist? Ophthalmologist? Professionals involved in vision care are experiencing an evolution across the spectrum of eye care and eyewear. From Gucci to Nike, from sunglasses to corrective eyewear, fashion statements are being made today in a grand way. Options now include frames in every color combination imaginable, light-weight frames, clear lenses, shaded lenses, computer glasses, readers and Transition lenses (clear to shaded in a matter of seconds).

 

For the student interested in a vision care career, choosing a career path may be viewed as a daunting task. However, in Florida, anyone can become a licensed Optician who has a high school diploma, completes 6,240 of apprentice hours with a Florida-licensed Optician, Optometrist or Ophthalmologist, and passes the National and State Board examination. An alternative and faster entry point is to complete an Associate of Science in Opticianry Degree at one of three colleges in the state of Florida: Miami Dade College, Hillsborough College, and Broward College.

 

The median annual salary of an Optician is approximately $46,000 (Salary.com). By becoming a licensed Optician you can pursue several avenues: open your own optical business, open your own fabrication laboratory, become part of a dynamic sales team, work in other areas of the optical industry, or work for an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Opticians may have many responsibilities that include interpreting eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists; matching eyewear to one’s facial features through measurements and analysis of eyes; assisting customers in selecting frames based on their prescription and life style; instructing the customer with eyeglass and contact lens care and use; and ensuring finished lenses are ground to specifications.

 

As the field of opticianry continues to grow as a respected and appealing profession, employment of opticians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, as an aging population is expected to lead to greater demand for eye care services (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013). Should a student desire to do more in the vision care profession or industry, there are other opportunities such as becoming an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

 

An optometrist is a primary eye care provider that can diagnose and treat conditions related to the visual system and provide prescriptions to the optician. A bachelor’s degree and 4 years post-graduate is a routine pathway to complete Doctor of Optometry degree. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who also prescribes; however, they focus on more medically and surgically-related issues pertaining to the eye. They must first become a physician and then specialize in ophthalmology and this could take well over 10 years.