How to Become an Optician (Optical Technician)
- Quick Facts: Optician Salary, Education, and Outlook
- What Opticians Do
- Key Skills and Traits for Success
- Work Settings for Opticians
- How to Become an Optician (5 Steps)
- Optician Salary by State
- Education and Certification Pathways
- Career Growth and Advancement
- Cost and Duration of Training
- Pros and Cons
- State Licensing and Requirements
- Take the First Step Toward an Optician Career
If you enjoy helping people see clearly and want a hands-on healthcare career with growth potential, becoming an optician could be your perfect fit.
Opticians (also called optical technicians) help customers select, fit, and adjust eyeglasses and contact lenses. They combine customer service with technical precision to support optometrists and ophthalmologists in delivering better vision care.
Quick Facts: Optician Salary, Education, and Outlook
What Opticians Do
Opticians interpret prescriptions written by optometrists or ophthalmologists to help patients select and fit corrective eyewear.
Typical Responsibilities
- Measure patients’ eyes and facial features for lenses and frames
- Adjust and repair eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Interpret optical prescriptions accurately
- Recommend lens coatings and frame styles
- Educate customers on lens care and maintenance
Opticians are the detail-oriented link between the medical prescription and the patient’s clear vision.
Key Skills and Traits for Success
- Strong communication and customer service
- Precision and hand-eye coordination
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of optics and lens materials
- Manual dexterity and comfort with lab equipment
Work Settings for Opticians
- Optometry offices and clinics
- Retail optical stores and vision centers
- Hospitals or ophthalmology practices
- Optical laboratories and manufacturing facilities
How to Become an Optician (5 Steps)
1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Take courses in math, physics, and anatomy to build a foundation in optical science.
2. Complete an Optician Training Program
Choose between certificate programs (1 year) or associate degrees (2 years) that teach optics, lens surfacing, and frame adjustment.
3. Gain Hands-On Experience
Work as an apprentice or trainee in a vision clinic or optical shop to develop fitting and adjustment skills.
4. Get Certified or Licensed
Most states require or recognize national certification from:
- ABO - American Board of Opticianry (spectacles)
- NCLE - National Contact Lens Examiners (contact lenses)
Some states also require licensure exams or continuing education.
5. Apply for Optician Jobs
Join optical retail chains, medical offices, or start your own business with experience and credentials.
Optician Salary by State
💡 Top earners often work in medical settings or manage their own optical businesses.
Education and Certification Pathways
| Pathway | Typical Duration | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Program | 1 year | Entry-level employment |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | Required in some states |
| Apprenticeship | 2–3 years | On-the-job training + licensing prep |
| ABO/NCLE Certification | Exam-based | National credential recognition |
Career Growth and Advancement
With additional experience and education, opticians can become:
- Master Opticians - specialists in complex lens fittings
- Optical Lab Technicians - focus on manufacturing lenses
- Store Managers or Business Owners
- Ophthalmic Technicians or Optometrists (with further study)
Cost and Duration of Training
- Program Cost: $3,000–$12,000
- Duration: 1–2 years
- Certification Exams: $225–$400 (ABO/NCLE combined)
Many optician programs are hybrid or online, making it easier to balance work and study.
Pros and Cons
State Licensing and Requirements
Licensing for opticians varies by state. Some states require passing the ABO and NCLE exams, while others mandate apprenticeships or state-issued licenses.
View Optician Licensing by State »
Take the First Step Toward an Optician Career
If you’re detail-oriented, personable, and want a technical healthcare role, becoming an optician offers a fast path into a respected medical field.
🎓 Start Your Optician Training Today
Optician Salary by State
Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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