Status: Full Time

Shift: Mon - Fri 8-5pm

Exempt: No

Summary:

*Dispensing/Certified Opticians examine written prescriptions to determine the specifications of lenses. They recommend eyeglass frames, lenses, and lens coatings after considering the prescription and the customer’s occupation, habits, and facial features. Dispensing/Certified Opticians measure clients’ eyes, including the distance between the centers of the pupils and the distance between the ocular surface and the lens. They also may obtain & verify a customer’s prescription with the previous optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Included in the job description, Dispensing/Certified Opticians prepare work orders that give ophthalmic laboratory technicians’ information needed to grind and insert lenses into a frame. The work order includes prescriptions for lenses and information on their size, material, color, and style. Some dispensing opticians grind and insert lenses themselves. After the glasses are made, opticians verify that the lenses have been ground to specifications (Lensometer).

Then they may reshape or bend the frame, by hand or using pliers, so that the eyeglasses fit the customer properly and comfortably. Some also fix, adjust, and refit broken frames. They instruct clients about adapting to, wearing, or caring for eyeglasses.

Certified Opticians can be the primary salesperson of the dispensary OR a technical lab employee- In many states, Certified Opticians may obtain state licenses and open standalone optical shops.

They are typically responsible for maintaining the inventory levels of the frame selection and often oversee the contact lens department as well.

Other information:

Responsibilities:

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• The Dispensing/Certified Optician verifies that finished lenses are ground to specifications utilizing the Lensometer. (checks that lab orders match the Dr rx)

• Learns to prepare work orders and instructions for grinding lenses and fabricating eyeglasses (Lab orders)

• The Dispensing/Certified Optician measures clients’ bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes, using measuring devices (Pupilometer/ruler/Auto-refractor)

• He/She will heat, shape, or bend plastic and metal frames in order to adjust eyeglasses to the patients. Also learns to complete repairs and replaces common eye glass components. (nose pads/screws, hinges)

• He/She evaluates prescriptions in conjunction with clients’ vocational and visual requirements- making recommendations of frame & lens materials.

• The Dispensing/Certified Optician assists clients in selecting frames according to style and color, and ensures that frames are coordinated with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions.

• If an in-office Edger is present, the Dispensing/Certified Optician will train to fabricate lenses to meet prescription specifications.

• Maintains records of customer prescriptions, work orders, and payments.

• The Dispensing/Certified Optician trains to recommend specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit client needs.

• He/She will instruct clients in how to wear and care for eyeglasses.

• The Dispensing/Certified Opticians may also be responsible for properly coding and entering charges for insurance purchases. This may include monthly reconciliation of bills and payments from vision plan companies.

• The Dispensing/Certified Optician may handle the technicalities of contact lenses- This would include insertion/removal tips, Care & Cleaning, basic CL measurements, ordering process & dispensing.