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Opticians, Dispensing

Description

Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. Assist client with inserting, removing, and caring for contact lenses. Assist client with selecting frames. Measure customer for size of eyeglasses and coordinate frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepare work order for optical laboratory containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verify exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens position to fit client. May shape or reshape frames. Includes contact lens opticians.

Common Tasks

  • Order and purchase frames and lenses.
  • Measure clients' bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes, using measuring devices.
  • Prepare work orders and instructions for grinding lenses and fabricating eyeglasses.
  • Verify that finished lenses are ground to specifications.
  • Assist clients in selecting frames according to style and color, and ensure that frames are coordinated with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions.

Required Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Wages

In 2016 the mean hourly wage in the Greater Sacramento area was $19.79 . The hourly rate for this occupation typically paid between $13.41 and $27.90 .

In 2016 the mean annual salary in the Greater Sacramento area was $41,168.12 . The annual salary for this occupation typically paid between $27,898.55 and $58,028.99 .

Occupation Outlook

This occupation employed 420 people in the Greater Sacramento area during 2014.

By 2024, there is expected to be an increase of 21.4% in the number of jobs in the Greater Sacramento area for this occupation, bringing to total number to 510.

By 2024, in the Greater Sacramento area, the median hourly rate for this occupation is expected to be $18.00 with the median annual salary reaching $39,332.

Data courtesy of O*NET
O*NET in-it