A dispensing optician must know about pathology of the eye and how it works, how to interpret prescriptions for fitting contact lenses and glasses, optical products and fashion trends. Dispensing opticians may apply to the American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners for certification. Licensure is not required for an opthalmic laboratory technician. Many opticians work for ophthalmologists or optometrists who sell glasses directly to customers or in retail optical stores. Some work in optical departments of drug and department stores.
Some opticians own their own stores.
No accredited educational programs are offered in opticianry in Kentucky.