Opticians, Dispensing
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Takes facial and eye measurements—pupillary distance, bridge and temple size, vertex distance—and matches frames and lenses to the written prescription and how the client uses their vision at work or at home. Finished glasses are checked against the order, then plastic or metal frames are heated, bent, or shaped so they sit correctly. Clients get help choosing frames and, when needed, instruction on inserting, removing, and caring for contact lenses. Prescriptions, work orders, and payments are recorded. Suits people who like precise measuring, hands-on fitting, and explaining how to handle glasses or contacts.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$47'260
Median Wage Market Position
$47'260
What you might do
- Measure a client's face and eyes for glasses
- Help clients choose frames that match their prescription
- Check that finished lenses match the prescription
- Heat and reshape frames so glasses fit well
- Recommend lenses and coatings for work and hobbies
- Show clients how to insert and clean contacts
Skills that matter
- Precise measurement of eyes and face
- Listening to work and hobby vision needs
- Reading prescriptions against visual needs
- Advice on lenses, coatings, and frames
- Hands-on reshaping of frames to fit
- Writing work orders for the optical lab
AI & the future of this role
Fitting frames, adjusting lenses, and helping clients choose eyewear rely on hands-on skill and face-to-face service. AI might support measurements or product suggestions, but proper fit and comfort still usually need a person on site.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details