Status:  Full Time

Shift:     Mon - Friday 8-5

Exempt: No 

Summary:
Apprentice Opticians are an entry level or un-certified Optician- training may include enrollment in college/technical courses designed for optical professionals or ‘on the job’ training by an experienced A.B.O. Certified Optician. Once they are skilled, Apprentice Opticians can take the American Board of Optician’s certification test. That test is given twice a year (November & May) nationwide.*In many states, a license is also required to become an Optician.Apprentice Opticians will begin training to perform the duties of a Certified Dispensing Optician.*Dispensing opticians examine written prescriptions to determine the specifications of lenses. They recommend eyeglass frames, lenses, and lens coatings after considering the prescription and the customer’s occupation, habits, and facial features. Dispensing opticians measure clients’ eyes, including the distance between the centers of the pupils and the distance between the ocular surface and the lens. They also may obtain & verify a customer’s prescription with the previous optometrist or ophthalmologist.Included in the job , Dispensing Opticians prepare work orders that give ophthalmic laboratory technicians’ information needed to grind and insert lenses into a frame. The work order includes prescriptions for lenses and information on their size, material, color, and style. Some dispensing opticians grind and insert lenses themselves. After the glasses are made, opticians verify that the lenses have been ground to specifications (Lensometer).Then they may reshape or bend the frame, by hand or using pliers, so that the eyeglasses fit the customer properly and comfortably. Some also fix, adjust, and refit broken frames. They instruct clients about adapting to, wearing, or caring for eyeglasses.Opticians can be the primary sales person of the dispensary OR a technical lab employee-They are typically responsible for maintaining the inventory levels of the frame selection and often oversee the contact lens department as well. 

Other information:
s:1. 4 years of Ophthalmic clinic experience required.2. Associated degree or a Bachelor’s degree is preferred.Customer service and sales experience is required.*Basic knowledge of physics, anatomy, computers, small hand tools, Lensometer, auto-refractor, and inventory management preferred.3. Manual or Physical Skill Required:Physical ability to perform all optical duties – Manual dexterity (skill with small tools), ability to see details at close range, effective verbal communication for sales & education purposes.4. Physical Effort Required:Overall strength requirement: LightStrength – LightPush – OccasionallyPull – OccasionallyCarry – OccasionallyLift – OccasionallySit – FrequentlyStand – FrequentlyWalk – Frequently

Responsibilities:
· The Apprentice Optician learns to verify that finished lenses are ground to specifications utilizing the Lensometer. (checks that lab orders match the Dr rx)· Learns to prepare work orders and instructions for grinding lenses and fabricating eyeglasses (Lab orders)· The Apprentice learns to measures clients’ bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes, using measuring devices (Pupilometer/ruler/Auto-refractor)· He/She will learn to heat, shape, or bend plastic and metal frames in order to adjust eyeglasses to the patients. Also learns to complete repairs and replaces common eye glass components. (nose pads/screws, hinges)· He/She learns to evaluate prescriptions in conjunction with clients’ vocational and visual requirements- making recommendations of frame & lens materials.· The Apprentice Optician assists clients in selecting frames according to style and color, and ensures that frames are coordinated with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions.· If an in-office Edger is present, the Apprentice Optician will train to fabricate lenses to meet prescription specifications.· Maintains records of customer prescriptions, work orders, and payments.· The Apprentice Optician trains to recommend specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit client needs.· He/She will learn to instruct clients in how to wear and care for eyeglasses.· The Opticians may also be responsible for properly coding and entering charges for insurance purchases. This may include monthly reconciliation of bills and payments from vision plan companies.· The Apprentice Optician may also learn the technicalities of contact lenses- This would include insertion/removal tips, Care & Cleaning, basic CL measurements, ordering process & dispensing…