How to Become an Optical Technician in 5 Steps

What Is An Optical Technician?

When a person needs corrective eyewear to see properly, the lenses are cut and mounted into frames by an optical technician. As part of their job, optical technicians may have to bend the frames so that they fit the patient properly. After cutting and grinding the materials, they may also polish them. Optical technicians typically have a high school diploma or GED and learn their trade through on-the-job training. The normal work environment for optical technicians is a laboratory.

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

How to Become an Optical Technician: 5 Steps

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma

A high school diploma or GED is often enough education to become an optical technician. O*Net Online reports that 56% of technicians have no formal education beyond a high school diploma or GED. Math, science, wood and metal shop, drafting and computers are examples of high school classes that might help you develop the mix of tool-handling and technical skills you need for this position.

Step 2: Consider Optical Technician School

Although optical technicians don't need to have postsecondary education, many community and technical colleges offer certificate programs in optical technology, optometric technology, or related fields. Such programs teach students to interpret prescriptions, use and maintain lens fabrication equipment, and interact with customers. Courses may also cover optical physics, optical materials and contact lenses.

Step 3: Consider Optical Technician Certification

It isn't mandatory, but you can obtain certification from the American Board of Opticianry by passing their National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE). To be eligible you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma. The exam tests your ability to fit glasses and other devices, interpret prescriptions, and use ophthalmic equipment.

Step 4: Obtain a Job

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical equipment and supply companies and health and personal care stores are the top employers of optical techs. You may also find positions with optometrists, retailers, hospitals and equipment wholesalers. In 2020, about 27,500 people held jobs as optical technicians. Over the years 2020-2030, employment in this field is projected to increase by 11 percent. As of May 2020, optical technicians earned a median annual salary of $34,440.

Step 5: Advance Your Career

Your advancement options depend on how much additional education you're willing to obtain. In settings with multiple employees, work experience might be enough for you to become a manager or supervisor of other technicians. Otherwise, you could earn an associate's degree in opticianry to become a dispensing optician or in optometric technology to become an optometrist assistant. If you earned a certificate, you may be able to apply your credits towards a degree.

For any career beyond those, you need significantly more education. Becoming an optometrist requires a Doctor of Optometry degree. Ophthalmologists must earn an M.D. degree and then specialize in ophthalmology.

What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?

Opticians assist patients when choosing eyewear to purchase. They provide the selected frames, lens information, and prescription to optical technicians so that glasses can be prepared for the clients. Like optical technicians, they do not need any formal postsecondary training, though college-level programs can be helpful. However, licensure is required in many states. If you're sure you want to pursue postsecondary education, you might consider becoming a medical equipment repairer. These professionals focus on the repair and maintenance of medical equipment, and an associate's degree is the standard academic requirement.