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Opticians, Dispensing
(SOC Code : 29-2081)
in California

Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. 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. Include contact lens opticians.

Employers usually expect an employee in this occupation to be able to do the job after Long-term on-the-job training (> 12 months) .
Occupational Wages[Top]
AreaYearPeriodHourly MeanHourly by Percentile
25thMedian75th
California 20231st Qtr$27.26$20.35$24.02$30.87

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Occupational Projections of Employment (also called "Outlook" or "Demand")[Top]
 AreaEstimated Year-Projected YearEmploymentEmployment ChangeTotal Job Openings
EstimatedProjectedNumberPercent
California 2018 - 20288,2009,10090011.07,720

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Job Openings from JobCentral National Labor Exchange[Top]
 
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Possible Licenses Required and Issuing Authority[Top]
License Title
License Authority
Contact Lens DispenserDepartment of Consumer Affairs
California State Board of Optometry
Registered Dispensing Optician Program
http://www.optometry.ca.gov/
Spectacle Lens DispenserDepartment of Consumer Affairs
California State Board of Optometry
Registered Dispensing Optician Program
http://www.optometry.ca.gov/

About Licenses
 
Industries Employing This Occupation (click on Industry Title to View Employers List)[Top]
Industry Title
Number of Employers in State of California
Percent of Total
Employment for Occupation in State of California
Offices of Other Health Practitioners 79,74749.6%
Offices of Physicians 59,06714.2%
Outpatient Care Centers 10,3421.0%

About Staffing Patterns
 
Training Programs (click on title for more information)[Top]
Program Title
Opticianry/Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician

About Training & Apprenticeships
 
About This Occupation (from O*NET - The Occupation Information Network)[Top]
Top Tasks (Specific duties and responsibilities of this job.)
Verify that finished lenses are ground to specifications.
Prepare work orders and instructions for grinding lenses and fabricating eyeglasses.
Measure clients` bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes, using measuring devices.
Heat, shape, or bend plastic or metal frames to adjust eyeglasses to fit clients, using pliers and hands.
Assist clients in selecting frames according to style and color, and ensure that frames are coordinated with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions.
Evaluate prescriptions in conjunction with clients` vocational and avocational visual requirements.
Fabricate lenses to meet prescription specifications.
Maintain records of customer prescriptions, work orders, and payments.
Recommend specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit client needs.
Instruct clients in how to wear and care for eyeglasses.

More Tasks for Opticians, Dispensing

Top Skills used in this Job
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others` reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

More Skills for Opticians, Dispensing

Top Abilities (Attributes of the person that influence performance in this job.)
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

More Abilities for Opticians, Dispensing

Top Work Values (Aspects of this job that create satisfaction.)
Independence - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions.
Relationships - Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.

More WorkValues for Opticians, Dispensing

Top Interests (The types of activities someone in this job would like.)
Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

More Interests for Opticians, Dispensing

Alternate Titles
Certified Opticians; Contact Lens Technicians; Licensed Dispensing Opticians; Licensed Opticians; Ophthalmic Dispensers; Optical Technicians; Optometric Assistants; and Optometric Technicians
 
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