Opticians help patients to fit eyeglasses and contact lenses prescribed by ophthalmologists and optometrists. They also assist patients when deciding which eyeglass frames or contact lenses to purchase. They receive customer prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses and conduct relevant measurements of eyes and faces. They help patients choose special eyeglass frames and lens treatments including occupational use for sports, tinted lenses, or anti-reflective coatings.
Opticians create work orders for ophthalmologist laboratory technicians and provide information about the requested lenses. They adjust eyewear to ensure it is a suitable fit and repair or replace broken eyeglass frames. They educate patients about eyewear and show them how to care for it. They perform business tasks including maintaining sales records, keeping track of customer prescriptions, and ordering and maintaining inventory. Opticians need a high school diploma or equivalent and technical instruction and state certification.