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Dispensing Opticians

THE JOB

DISPENSING OPTICIANS are health professionals who fit and adjust eyewear for
customers whose eyesight has been tested by an ophthalmologist or
optometrist.  

This guide describes two optical dispensing occupations: Registered
Spectacle Lens Dispensers (RSLDs) and Registered Contact Lens Dispensers
(RCLDs).

RSLDs use their knowledge of optics and mathematics to fill prescriptions
written by doctors and determine the eyeglass frame and lens combination
that best fits the customer's vision needs.  They help select the right
material and lens design to fit the customer's life style and facial
measurements, and then prepare a work order for the laboratory.

When the finished glasses are returned from the laboratory, RSLDs use
optical tools and gauges to make sure that the glasses match the work order.
Opticians adjust glasses to fit their customers comfortably.  Some
Dispensing Opticians also grind and polish the lenses and mount them into
frames.

RCLDs fit contact lenses by measuring the shape and size of the eye.  They
select the type of contact lens material and train the wearer to insert and
remove the lenses and clean and maintain them properly.  Opticians use 
various instruments to help select and fit contact lenses for their customers.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Dispensing Opticians work indoors in attractive, well-lighted, comfortable
surroundings.  They work in retail optical stores and in eye clinics.  They
may work in small stores where customers are served one at a time or in
large stores where several Dispensing Opticians serve a number of customers
at once. 

Opticians deal with customers most of the time and may spend a lot of time
on their feet.  If they also prepare lenses, they must take precautions
against the hazards associated with glass grinding, chemicals and machinery.
RSLDs may join the California Association of Dispensing Opticians.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division.

Estimated number of workers in 1993             6,950
Estimated number of workers in 2005             8,440
Projected Growth 1993-2005                        21%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005   2,150

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

This occupation is expected to grow about as fast as average for all
occupations in California.  The existing supply of qualified workers
generally meets the demand of qualified workers.  Still, employers reported
some difficulty recruiting qualified Dispensing Opticians in more rural
area.  


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Wages, hours, and fringe benefits for Dispensing Opticians vary with the
type, size, and location of their employers.  Beginning opticians earn an
average between the minimum wage and $8.00 per hour.  With experience, they
earn an average from $6.75 to $19.00 hourly.  Union wages may be higher.

Large chains may pay opticians on a commission basis.  When the Dispensing
Optician reaches company sales goals, bonuses are often given as incentives
for attaining higher sales. 

Opticians usually work eight hours per day, and they may work evenings and
weekends.  Most employers offer paid vacation and sick leave, and medical
and vision insurance, and many provide dental and life insurance and
retirement plans.  


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Currently, most Dispensing Opticians are trained on the job by employers.
Training may take up to two years, and opticians can take up to five years
to become fully qualified.  Some larger optical companies give their new 
employees formal classroom coursework combined with on-the-job training.  

Training programs for opticians are scarce in California.  Most opticians
gain experience working on the job.  According to the California Division 
of Apprenticeship Standards, formal apprenticeship programs for opticians 
to train under the supervision of an experienced Dispensing Optician, 
optometrist, or ophthalmologist can still be approved.  However, employers 
have not requested formal apprenticeship contracts for new hires in 
California for the past several years.

Employers rated good basic math skills as very important for Dispensing
Opticians.  They also need a talent for precise work, steady hands and a
good sense of color.  They should really enjoy dealing with people--the
work involves close, personal contact with customers.  Cheerfulness, tact,
communication skills and the ability to inspire customer confidence are
other important personal attributes.  Opticians need the ability to read and
follow instructions exactly and to write legibly. 

The California Registered Dispensing Optician Licensing Program licenses
RSLDs and RCLDs.  Candidates for licensing must work for a registered
dispensing optician firm and pass the exam given by American Board of
Opticianry (RSLDs) or the National Contact Lens Examiners (RCLDs).  Licenses
must be renewed every three years.  


ADVANCEMENT

Advancement usually means increased earnings and responsibility as opticians
gain experience and continue their education.  In large retail optical
stores, Dispensing Opticians may advance to management positions.  Still
others enter the wholesale optical industry of lenses, frames, optical
instruments, or tools.  

For other career development options, opticians can improve their sales and
management skills through college coursework or cross-train into laboratory
technology.
Some Dispensing Opticians manage retail optical stores or open their own
stores.  


FINDING THE JOB

Job Seekers should apply directly to retail optical stores, and eye clinics
and register with the nearest California Employment Development Department
Workforce Services Office.  Employers often hire referrals from their own employees.
They also list openings with opticianry schools and in newspaper want ads
and trade journals.  Successful Job Seekers use all of these job-lead
resources and also network through friends and professional association
members. 


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

California Association of Dispensing Opticians
P.O. Box 763
Manteca, CA 95336
(213) 681-7597

California Department of Consumer Affairs
Registered Dispensing Optician Licensing Program 
1430 Howe Avenue, Suite 88
Sacramento, CA 95825-3236
(916) 263-2634
http://www.dca.ca.gov

Opticians Association of America/National 
Contact Lens Examiners
10341 Democracy Lane
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 691-8355
http://www.opticians.org

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Dental Assistants                            No. 27
Optical Laboratory Technicians/Opticians     No. 97

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Optician, Dispensing (retail trade)     299.361-010

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Precision Optical Goods Workers              325140

Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162