Opticians fill eyewear prescriptions. Their training includes dispensing eye wear, selecting frames, taking facial measurements, and choosing the best lens style for the patient. They take the order written by the eye doctor, produce the lenses with the correct prescription, and shape the lenses to fit the frame.

Optometric technicians must know how to take facial measurements and how to select and adjust frames. In addition, they learn business procedures and may be responsible for managing the doctor’s office. They work closely with the eye doctor as part of the eye care team. Their tasks include measuring visual acuity, color vision, depth perception, field of vision, and pressures within the eye. They assist in various contact lens procedures and also teach contact lens patients to insert, remove, and care for their contact lenses.

Employment

Most opticians and optometric technicians are employed in the optical industry or by optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists. Some are employed as managers of optical dispensaries or laboratories. Graduates of the Optician/ Technician Program may also work in an optical laboratory or for a lens, frame, contact lens, or instrument company.

Placement

The school’s placement service is available online. Both opportunity providers and seekers can post their information directly to the Web via online forms. Providers or seekers can also search profiles/opportunities by geographic area.

Positions listed are designed to support both students and alumni. This service is available at Career Planning & Placement section of the IUSO website. Currently, the demand for opticians and technicians is very high.