Opticians, Dispensing

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.

$46,560
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+3% projected 2024–2034
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Opticians help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Durham Technical Community College, NC
$61,860
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Miami Dade College, FL
$57,932
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Hillsborough Community College, FL
$48,106
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, MA
$44,504
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Goodwin University, CT
$41,025
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce, PR
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Hocking College, OH
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)J Sargeant Reynolds Community College, VA
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Florida State College at Jacksonville, FL
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Essex County College, NJ
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Henry Ford College, MI
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Georgia Piedmont Technical College, GA
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Indiana University-Bloomington, IN
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Central Piedmont Community College, NC
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Baker College, MI
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Daytona State College, FL
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Cuyahoga Community College District, OH
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)College of Southern Nevada, NV
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Alexandria Technical & Community College, MN
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)East Mississippi Community College, MS
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Camden County College, NJ
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Community College of Rhode Island, RI
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Broward College, FL
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Connecticut State Community College, CT
$37,740
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions(associates)Ivy Tech Community College, IN
$37,740

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