Optician

Opticians are skilled technicians who fill optical prescriptions and fit people with glasses or contact lenses. Opticians, unlike ophthalmologists and optometrists, are not licensed to test vision, write medicine prescriptions, or diagnose or treat eye diseases.

Opticians can:

Fill prescriptions for eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Help people select appropriate glasses.
Fit lenses into eyeglass frames.
Adjust eyeglass frames for comfort and proper lens position.
Clean and polish contact lenses.

An optician may complete a training program or an apprenticeship.

Some states do not require a person to complete a program to be licensed as an optician.

Credits

By:

Healthwise Staff

Last Revised: August 17, 2012

Medical Review:

Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.