Opticians, Dispensing

Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. Assist client with inserting, removing, and caring for contact lenses. Assist client with selecting frames. Measure customer for size of eyeglasses and coordinate frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepare work order for optical laboratory containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verify exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens position to fit client. May shape or reshape frames. Includes contact lens opticians.

Tasks Include:

Verify that finished lenses are ground to specifications.
Prepare work orders and instructions for grinding lenses and fabricating eyeglasses.
Measure clients' bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes, using measuring devices.
Heat, shape, or bend plastic or metal frames to adjust eyeglasses to fit clients, using pliers and hands.
Evaluate prescriptions in conjunction with clients' vocational and avocational visual requirements.
Assist clients in selecting frames according to style and color, and ensure that frames are coordinated with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions.
Fabricate lenses to meet prescription specifications.
Maintain records of customer prescriptions, work orders, and payments.
Recommend specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit client needs.
Instruct clients in how to wear and care for eyeglasses.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: +11.5%

National: +28.9%

Education

High School Diploma

Job Zone:

Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Mid Range ($28,000 - $35,999)

Average Earnings:

National

$34,800.00

State

$40,070.00

Regional

Opticians, Dispensing

Description

Career Cluster:

Health Science

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Education

Required Level of Education

High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate) = 33.33%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades) = 30.00%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 20.00%
Some College Courses = 13.33%
Less than a High School Diploma = 3.33%

Related Work Experience

Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 31.03%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 24.14%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 20.69%
None = 13.79%
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 6.90%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 3.45%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

None = 27.59%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 20.69%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 10.34%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 10.34%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 10.34%
Up to and including 1 month = 10.34%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 6.90%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 3.45%

On-the-Job Training

Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 27.59%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 17.24%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 17.24%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 13.79%
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 10.34%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 6.90%
None or short demonstration = 6.90%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Verify that finished lenses are ground to specifications.
Prepare work orders and instructions for grinding lenses and fabricating eyeglasses.
Measure clients' bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes, using measuring devices.
Heat, shape, or bend plastic or metal frames to adjust eyeglasses to fit clients, using pliers and hands.
Evaluate prescriptions in conjunction with clients' vocational and avocational visual requirements.
Assist clients in selecting frames according to style and color, and ensure that frames are coordinated with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions.
Fabricate lenses to meet prescription specifications.
Maintain records of customer prescriptions, work orders, and payments.
Recommend specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit client needs.
Instruct clients in how to wear and care for eyeglasses.
Sell goods such as contact lenses, spectacles, sunglasses, and other goods related to eyes in general.
Determine clients' current lens prescriptions, when necessary, using lensometers or lens analyzers and clients' eyeglasses.
Show customers how to insert, remove, and care for their contact lenses.
Assemble eyeglasses by cutting and edging lenses, and fitting the lenses into frames.
Obtain a customer's previous record, or verify a prescription with the examining optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Supervise the training of student opticians.
Order and purchase frames and lenses.
Grind lens edges, or apply coatings to lenses.
Perform administrative duties such as tracking inventory and sales, submitting patient insurance information, and performing simple bookkeeping.
Repair damaged frames.
Arrange and maintain displays of optical merchandise.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Tools and Technology

Tools Include:

Opticians tools or accessories (Angling pliers)
Combination refractor keratometers (Autorefractors)
Opticians tools or accessories (Bracing pliers)
Opticians tools or accessories (Bushing pullers)
Cash registers
Opticians tools or accessories (Chain nose pliers)
Opticians tools or accessories (Cold-bend pliers)
Lens measuring equipment (Contact lens thickness gauges)
Opticians tools or accessories (Contact lens tweezers)
Electronic funds transfer point of sale equipment (Credit card processing machines)
Desktop computers
Calipers (Dial calipers)
Calipers (Digital calipers)
Opticians tools or accessories (Digital pupilometers)
Opticians tools or accessories (End piece pliers)
Opticians tools or accessories (Flat nose pliers)
Ophthalmic lensometers (Focimeters)
Opticians tools or accessories (Frame warmers)
Files (Half-round files)
Hex keys (Hex wrenches)
Opticians tools or accessories (Hollow snipe pliers)
Notebook computers (Laptop computers)
Opticians tools or accessories (Lens aligning pliers)
Lens measuring equipment (Lens analyzers)
Lens measuring equipment (Lens clocks)
Opticians tools or accessories (Lens files)
Opticians tools or accessories (Millimeter rules)
Opticians tools or accessories (Nose pad adjusting pliers)
Opticians tools or accessories (Optical cutting pliers)
Opticians tools or accessories (Optical screwdrivers)
Ophthalmic lensometers (Optometric lensometers)
Personal computers
Screwdrivers (Phillips head screwdrivers)
Opticians tools or accessories (Pickup screwdrivers)
Opticians tools or accessories (Pupillometers)
Tweezers (Screw-holding tweezers)
Eye charts or vision cards (Snellen eye charts)
Opticians tools or accessories (Snipe nose pliers)
Screwdrivers (Straight screwdrivers)

Technologies Include:

Medical software

Compulink Eyecare Advantage
Cygnet Infotech Optifocus
Diversified Ophthalmics Practice Maximus
EMRlogic Systems ENTERPRISE Visions
First Insight MaximEyes
HealthLine Systems Eyecom
Insight Software My Vision Express
OfficeMate Software Solutions OfficeMate
Specialist Data Solutions OctoPlus

Point of sale POS software

Point of sale POS software

Project management software

EZ-Zone Optizone Enterprise

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Special Requirements

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

An applicant for a license shall furnish satisfactory evidence on an application provided by the board establishing that:

1. The applicant is at least 18 years of age unless emancipated under the provisions of § 16.1-333 of the Code of Virginia;

2. The applicant is a graduate of an accredited high school, or has completed the equivalent of grammar school and a four-year high school course, or is a holder of a certificate of general educational development;

3. The applicant is in good standing as a licensed optician in every jurisdiction where licensed;

4. The applicant has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of a misdemeanor or felony involving sexual offense, drug distribution or physical injury, or any felony that directly relates to the profession of opticianry. The board shall have the authority to determine, based upon all the information available, including the applicant's record of prior convictions, if the applicant is unfit or unsuited to engage in the profession of opticianry. Any plea of nolo contendere shall be considered a conviction for the purposes of this subdivision. The licensee shall provide a certified copy of a final order, decree or case decision by a court or regulatory agency with the lawful authority to issue such order, decree or case decision, and such copy shall be admissible as prima facie evidence of such conviction. This record shall be forwarded by the licensee to the board within 10 days after all appeal rights have expired;

5. The applicant has successfully completed one of the following education requirements:

a. A board-approved two-year course in a school of opticianry, including the study of topics essential to qualify for practicing as an optician; or

b. A three-year apprenticeship with a minimum of one school year of related instruction or home study while registered in the apprenticeship program in accordance with the standards established by the state Department of Labor and Industry, Division of Apprenticeship Training and approved by the Board for Opticians;

6. The applicant has disclosed his current mailing address;

7. The nonresident applicant for a license has filed and maintained with the department an irrevocable consent for the director of the department to serve as service agent for all actions filed in any court in the Commonwealth; and

8. The applicant shall certify, as part of the application, that the applicant has read and understands Chapter 17 (§ 54.1-1700 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia and the regulations of the board.

OPTICIANS LICENSED IN ANOTHER STATE:

A. An optician licensed in another state seeking to be licensed as an optician in Virginia shall submit an application on a form provided by the board with the required fee.
B. The board, using the following standards, shall issue a license to any person licensed in another state who:

1. Has met requirements equivalent to a licensed optician in Virginia
2. Has passed a substantially equivalent examination.

EXAM:

- All examinations required for licensure shall be approved by the board and administered by the board, or its agents or employees acting on behalf of the board.
- An examination is to be held at least twice each calendar year.
- An applicant shall pass the written and practical examination within two years of the initial test date. After two years, the applicant shall file a new application and pay the required fee.

Required Fees:

Application for licensure

$100

Application for contact lens certification

$100

Renewal

$100

Late renewal (includes renewal fee)

$125

Reinstatement (includes renewal and late renewal fees)

$225

For More Information, Contact:

Board for Opticians
3600 West Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23230-4917
Phone: 804.367.8509
Fax: 804.367.6295
http://www.dpor.virginia.gov
Opticians@dpor.virginia.gov

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.

Opticians, Dispensing

Additional Resources

For general information about a career as a dispensing optician and about continuing education, as well as a list of State licensing boards for opticianry, contact:

Opticians Association of America
7023 Little River Turnpike
Suite 207
Annandale, VA 22003
http://www.opticians.org

For general information about a career as a dispensing optician and a list of accredited training programs, contact:

Commission on Opticianry Accreditation
7023 Little River Turnpike
Suite 207
Annandale, VA 22003
http://www.coaccreditation.com

For general information on opticianry and a list of home-study programs, seminars, and review materials, contact:

National Academy of Opticianry
8401 Corporate Dr.
Suite 605
Landover, MD 20785
http://www.nao.org

To learn about voluntary certification for opticians who fit spectacles, as well as State licensing boards of opticianry, contact:

American Board of Opticianry
6506 Loisdale Rd.
Suite 209
Springfield, VA 22150
http://www.abo.org

For information on voluntary certification for dispensing opticians who fit contact lenses, contact:

National Contact Lens Examiners
6506 Loisdale Rd.
Suite 209
Springfield, VA 22150
http://www.abo.org

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.

Opticians, Dispensing

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
87.50	Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
72.50	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
71.75	Sales and Marketing	Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
67.25	Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
61.25	Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
56.75	Clerical	Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
51.75	Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
50.75	Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
50.00	Psychology	Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Skills

%	Subject	Description
75.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
68.75	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
62.50	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
59.50	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
59.50	Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.
59.50	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
59.50	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
56.25	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
53.00	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
53.00	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
53.00	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
53.00	Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
50.00	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50.00	Negotiation	Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
78.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
75.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
68.75	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
68.75	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
62.50	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
62.50	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
62.50	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
62.50	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
59.50	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
59.50	Finger Dexterity	The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
56.25	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
53.00	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
50.00	Selective Attention	The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
50.00	Arm-Hand Steadiness	The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
50.00	Visual Color Discrimination	The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
85.00	Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
80.00	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
76.75	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
75.00	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
75.00	Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
75.00	Selling or Influencing Others	Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
69.25	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
67.50	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
66.75	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
63.25	Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
63.25	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
62.50	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
60.00	Assisting and Caring for Others	Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
60.00	Performing Administrative Activities	Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
59.25	Monitoring and Controlling Resources	Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
59.25	Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
57.50	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
56.75	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
55.00	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
55.00	Interacting With Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
53.25	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
52.50	Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
52.50	Communicating with Persons Outside Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
51.75	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
51.75	Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
50.75	Developing and Building Teams	Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
50.00	Provide Consultation and Advice to Others	Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
90.00	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
88.25	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
87.50	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
86.75	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
85.75	Self Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
85.00	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
78.25	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
73.25	Social Orientation	Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
71.75	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
70.75	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
68.25	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
66.75	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
65.00	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
63.25	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
61.75	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
59.25	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
72.17	Independence	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
66.67	Relationships	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
55.50	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
99.40	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
95.40	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
94.00	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
94.00	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
94.00	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
94.00	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
90.60	Deal With External Customers	How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
89.40	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
88.60	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?
83.40	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
83.40	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
82.60	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
80.60	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
80.00	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company?
78.60	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
73.40	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
72.00	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
70.60	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
64.80	Spend Time Standing	How much does this job require standing?
62.60	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
62.00	Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People	How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?
62.00	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
61.40	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
59.40	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
58.00	Exposed to Disease or Infections	How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?
55.40	Degree of Automation	How automated is the job?
55.40	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions	How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
55.20	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
- These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Earnings Benefits

Region	Entry Level	Average	Experienced
United States	$20,920.00	$34,750.00	$51,620.00
Virginia	$22,650.00	$40,070.00	$56,080.00

Region	Entry Level	Average	Experienced
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.

Opticians, Dispensing

Employment Projections

National	2010	2020	% Change
United States	62,600	80,700	+ 28.9%

State	2008	2018	% Change
Virginia	1,878	2,094	+ 11.5%

Region	2008	2018	% Change
Bay Consortium	0	0	+ 0.0%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	184	209	+ 13.6%
Central VA/Region2000	58	59	+ 1.7%
Crater Area	0	0	+ 0.0%
Greater Peninsula	0	0	+ 0.0%
Hampton Roads	0	0	+ 0.0%
New River/Mt. Rogers	70	79	+ 12.9%
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington	936	1,036	+ 10.7%
Piedmont Workforce	0	0	+ 0.0%
Shenandoah Valley	98	114	+ 16.3%
South Central	16	19	+ 18.8%
Southwestern Virginia	34	40	+ 17.6%
West Piedmont	28	30	+ 7.1%
Western Virginia	113	132	+ 16.8%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Workforce Connection.

Opticians, Dispensing

Related Occupations

Related Occupations

Careers in Therapeutic Services Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

View Videos

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Health Science (7.03 Mb)
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The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.

Opticians, Dispensing

Military Training

The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:

Not Occupationally Qualified, General
Ophthalmology/Optometry

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center.

Opticians, Dispensing

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	4.5
Getting Information	4.0
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.0
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	4.0
Selling or Influencing Others	4.0
Documenting/Recording Information	4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	3.5
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	3.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	3.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	3.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	3.5
Assisting and Caring for Others	3.5
Performing Administrative Activities	3.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	3.5
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People	3.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	3.5
Processing Information	3.5
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	3.0
Interacting With Computers	3.0
Training and Teaching Others	3.0
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.0
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization	3.0
Analyzing Data or Information	3.0
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	3.0
Developing and Building Teams	3.0
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others	3.0
Coaching and Developing Others	3.0
Thinking Creatively	3.0
Controlling Machines and Processes	3.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	3.0
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.0
Handling and Moving Objects	2.5
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	2.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies	2.5
Staffing Organizational Units	2.5
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	2.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	2.0
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	2.0
Performing General Physical Activities	2.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	1.5

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Titles

American Board of Opticianry Certified Master Optician (ABO Certified Master Optician)
American Board of Opticianry Certified Optician (ABO Certified Optician)
Certified Optician
Contact Lens Fitter
Contact Lens Technician
Dispensing and Measuring Optician
Dispensing Optician
Dispensing Optician Apprentice
Eyeglass Fitter
Laboratory Technician
Licensed Dispensing Optician
Licensed Optical Dispenser
Licensed Optician
Ophthalmic Dispenser
Optical Assistant
Optical Dispenser
Optical Manager
Optical Technician
Optician
Optician Apprentice
Optician Manager
Optometric Assistant
Optometric Technician

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.

Opticians, Dispensing

Related Schools

J Sargeant Reynolds Community College