Dispensing Optician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of precision eye care, the role of dispensing opticians has become increasingly pivotal.

As the industry advances, the demand for proficient individuals who can accurately dispense, adjust, and repair prescription glasses and contact lenses escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a dispensing optician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager looking for the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate world of opticianry,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable dispensing optician job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Dispensing Optician Duties and Responsibilities

Dispensing Opticians work primarily in a retail setting to assist customers in choosing the correct eyeglasses and contact lenses, using prescriptions from optometrists and ophthalmologists.

They may also be required to perform adjustments or minor repairs on glasses.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Analyzing the optical prescription, given by the optometrists or ophthalmologists
• Advising patients on frame types, lens type, and styling based on their prescription, lifestyle needs, and facial features
• Measuring patients’ eyes, including the distance between pupils and the distance of the eye surface to the glasses
• Fitting and dispensing spectacles and contact lenses according to the prescription
• Inspecting the eyewear for quality control before dispensing to the patients
• Repairing broken frames and adjusting eyewear to ensure a perfect fit
• Providing patients with advice on how to care for their glasses or contact lenses
• Managing inventory of frames, lenses, and other optical supplies
• Processing patient payments and maintaining records of customer prescriptions, work orders, and payments

 

Dispensing Optician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a skilled Dispensing Optician to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing patients with eye health services, assisting them in the selection of eyeglass frames, taking measurements of their eyes and adjusting frames for a correct fit.

You will also be responsible for ordering lenses from prescription orders from optometrists and ophthalmologists.

 

Responsibilities

• Interpreting optical prescriptions written by optometrists or ophthalmologists.
• Providing advice to patients on lens type, frames and styling.
• Taking frame and facial measurements to ensure correct fit and positioning.
• Fitting contact lenses and giving advice on their care and use.
• Advising on and arranging for repairs and adjustments to spectacles.
• Advising on and providing low vision aids and children’s vision services.
• Maintaining accurate patient records and adhering to data protection laws.
• Ensuring product and display management, including restocking and inventory control.

 

Qualifications

• Must be a licensed Dispensing Optician.
• Excellent customer service and sales skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in taking measurements and fitting glasses.
• Ability to work well in a team setting.
• Experience with vision insurance plans is an advantage.
• Proficiency with basic computer programs.

 

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education assistance
• Employee discount

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Dispensing Optician
• Work Environment: Opticianry store or eye care clinic. This role requires direct contact with patients, so applicants should be comfortable interacting with the public. The job may require some weekend and evening hours.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Optician or Store Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Dispensing Optician Do?

Dispensing Opticians are professionals in the eyecare industry who work primarily in retail optics outlets or optometry offices.

Their primary role is to interpret the prescriptions written by optometrists and ophthalmologists to help patients choose the right eyeglasses or contact lenses.

This includes advising on lens type, frame style, fit, and dispensing low vision aids or artificial eyes.

Their job also involves taking detailed measurements of patients’ eyes, particularly the distance between the centres of the pupils, to ensure the lenses are positioned correctly in the frames.

Dispensing Opticians may also be responsible for fitting and adjusting eyeglasses to ensure a comfortable and effective fit for the wearer.

This includes using specialized equipment to modify the frames.

In addition, they often handle administrative tasks such as tracking orders, managing inventory, and arranging for repairs or replacements of eyewear.

Some Dispensing Opticians may specialize in fitting specific types of eyewear such as sports goggles or protective eyewear for industrial use.

They are responsible for providing exceptional customer service, answering any eyewear-related queries, and ensuring the overall satisfaction of their clients.

 

Dispensing Optician Qualifications and Skills

A proficient dispensing optician should have the qualifications and skills that suit your job needs, such as:

• Technical knowledge of optometry including understanding of prescription eyewear, contact lenses and other optical products.
• Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, explain their eyewear needs and provide suitable solutions.
• Attention to detail to accurately interpret optical prescriptions written by optometrists or ophthalmologists.
• Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to adjust, repair and fit eyewear correctly.
• Problem-solving skills to assist patients who are experiencing issues with their eyewear or vision.
• Excellent customer service skills to meet the needs of clients, handle transactions and follow up on orders.
• Ability to explain complex medical terms or procedures in a simple, understandable manner.
• Professionalism and ethics to maintain patient confidentiality and provide unbiased advice.
• Physical stamina to stand for extended periods while working with patients or in the lab.

 

Dispensing Optician Experience Requirements

Entry-level Dispensing Opticians usually have a two-year associate’s degree or certificate from an accredited opticianry program, where they gain both theoretical and practical experience.

Internships or part-time roles in optical stores or vision centers provide additional hands-on experience.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience may have obtained their licensure and are capable of fitting eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.

They also have experience in interpreting prescriptions written by ophthalmologists or optometrists.

Dispensing Opticians with over 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of optics and the human vision, and are capable of troubleshooting and solving problems related to vision correction.

They may also be experienced in managing inventory and selecting frames for the store.

Those with more than 5 years of experience typically have advanced customer service and sales skills, are capable of handling complex fitting tasks, and may have some managerial experience.

They might be ready for a supervisory role or an optical management position.

 

Dispensing Optician Education and Training Requirements

A Dispensing Optician typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent.

In some states, Dispensing Opticians must complete a postsecondary training program in opticianry, which can be offered by community colleges and universities.

These programs usually lead to a certificate or associate degree.

During these programs, students learn about eye anatomy, optical physics, business management, and customer service.

They also learn to use optical instruments to adjust and fit eyewear.

Most states require Dispensing Opticians to be licensed.

Licensing criteria vary but generally require the candidate to be 18 or older, have high school education or equivalent, and completion of a postsecondary training program or apprenticeship.

Although not required, many Dispensing Opticians seek further certification from the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE).

Having certification indicates a higher level of competence and could lead to increased job opportunities.

Continuous education is also important, as advances in the field are ongoing.

 

Dispensing Optician Salary Expectations

A Dispensing Optician earns an average salary of $37,010 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary significantly based on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, the employer, and the region in which they are based.

 

Dispensing Optician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Dispensing Optician need?

Dispensing Opticians should have excellent communication and customer service skills to understand their clients’ needs and preferences.

They should have good attention to detail and be able to assess the condition of a client’s vision.

Technical skills are also important, including the ability to use specialized equipment to measure visual characteristics, fitting and adjusting eyewear, and knowledge of optical products and vision requirements.

 

Do Dispensing Opticians need a degree?

Dispensing Opticians typically require a diploma or associate degree in opticianry.

After completing their education, they must also pass a licensing examination to practice.

The degree program typically covers topics such as optics, eye physiology, business management, and customer service.

 

What should you look for in a Dispensing Optician’s resume?

A Dispensing Optician’s resume should first and foremost include their licensure, as they are not permitted to practice without it.

Their resume should also demonstrate their education in opticianry, their experience in the field, and any specialized skills they possess, such as the ability to fit contact lenses or work with low vision aids.

Look for strong customer service skills and technical knowledge as well.

 

What qualities make a good Dispensing Optician?

A good Dispensing Optician is patient, detail-oriented, and has excellent communication skills.

They should be able to explain complex information about eye health and eyewear in a way that is understandable to clients.

They should also be able to make clients feel at ease and confident in their care.

A good Dispensing Optician stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in eyewear technology and eye health.

 

Is it difficult to hire Dispensing Opticians?

The difficulty in hiring Dispensing Opticians varies by region and the specific needs of your practice.

In general, the opticianry field is a growing one, so there may be a good pool of candidates to choose from.

However, it’s important to ensure that candidates not only have the necessary technical skills and qualifications, but also possess the customer service skills vital to the role.

 

Conclusion

And that brings us to the end.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate world of a dispensing optician.

Surprised?

It’s not just about fitting glasses.

It’s about helping people see the world clearly, one pair of spectacles at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive dispensing optician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to leap forward.

But why halt your momentum?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool for crafting precision-accurate listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every lens is a window to clarity.

Let’s enhance vision. Together.

How to Become a Dispensing Optician (Complete Guide)

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