Others become managers of optical stores or sales representatives for wholesalers or manufacturers of eyeglasses or lenses. Job Outlook Employment in this occupation is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005 in response to rising demand for corrective lenses. The number of middle-aged and elderly persons is projected to increase rapidly. Middle age is a time when many people use corrective lenses for the first time, and elderly persons require more vision care, on the whole, than others. Fashion, too, influences demand.
Frames come in a growing variety of styles and colors encouraging people to buy more than one pair.
This occupation is vulnerable to changes in the business cycle, with employment falling somewhat during downturns. There will be a relatively large number of job openings, both to replace those who leave the occupation and due to growth. This is a young occupation and like many other occupations in retail trade, many people transfer to other occupations. Those who run their own stores earned more than salaried workers. In addition to base salaries, many employers provide commissions, bonuses, and profit-sharing.