Dispensing Opticians
Description OES Code: 32514
Dispensing Opticians are health professionals who fit and adjust eyewear for customers whose eyesight has been tested by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $10.91
25th Percentile $12.13
50th Percentile $15.03
75th Percentile $18.59

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $11.66
25th Percentile $11.98
50th Percentile $13.38
75th Percentile $15.99

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
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.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 7,600
Projected Employment 2008 9,700
Percent Change 1998-2008 27.6%
Separations 1998-2008 1,100

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 180
Projected Employment 2006 200
Percent Change 1999-2006 11.1%
Separations 1999-2006 20

Employment Trends by California County

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.

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.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Jobseekers should apply directly to retail optical stores, and eye clinics and register with the nearest California Employment Development Department Job Service office. Employers often hire referrals from their own employees. They also list openings with opticianry schools and in newspaper want adsand trade journals. Successful jobseekers use all of these job-lead resources and also network through friends and professional association members.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education 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.

Skills & Other Requirements
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.

References
California Occupational Guide #167

Related Occupations: Dental Assistants, #27
Optical Laboratory Technicians, #97

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)