An optician is a health care professional that dispenses eyewear, such as spectacles, contact lenses and other visual aids. Opticians fill prescriptions written by eye doctors. After analyzing the prescriptions, they help patients choose the frames and lenses best suited to their needs, take measurements to insure a proper fit, and make custom adjustments to the finished eyewear upon delivery.
Opticians use an interesting variety of skills.
While the technical aspects are based upon science, opticianry also encompasses health care services, fashion, sales, management and business. This diversity provides many job choices for opticians. As with any profession, an individual with exceptional drive and a good education may be paid well in excess of an average salary. Both eyeglasses and contact lenses have become regarded as fashion accessories as well as prescription optical devices. Also, the number of people that require vision correction is steadily increasing.