the dispensing optician
DESCRIPTION
In depth description of what a dispensing optician is and how to become a dispensing opticianTRANSCRIPT
The Dispensing Optician
A presentation by:
The National Academy of Opticianry
What is a Dispensing Optician?
Defined by the United States Department Of Labor:
Dispensing opticians fit eyeglasses and
contact lenses, following prescriptions
written by ophthalmologists or
optometrists.
Why is Being an Optician Right for You?
• On the job training through apprenticeship programs• Study at home programs offer education while working full time• Available certification to distinguish yourself in the field• Variety of offices with need for opticians
Responsibilities
Fill written prescriptions of lenses
Create work orders Work with costumers Guide costumer through lens
and frame selection Perform quality control checks
Spectacles
Responsibilities
Teach costumer proper use and care of contact
Prepare work orders with the prescription and lens size
Select the type of contact lens material
Ensure correct fitting of contacts
Contact Lenses
Responsibilities
Organize past prescriptions Organize past work orders Track payments Track inventory and sales
Administrative
Valuable Skills
Physics Basic anatomy Algebra Trigonometry
Mathematics and Science Knowledge
Good with hands and precision work
• Computer experience
• Good communication
Employment Statistics (Provided by U.S. Department of Labor)
Dispensing opticians held about 66,000 jobs in 2004 Nearly one-third worked in health and personal care
stores About 30 percent of dispensing opticians worked in
offices of other health practitioners
• Over 10 percent worked in offices of physicians• Nearly 6 percent are self- employed
Potential Earnings (Provided by U.S. Department of Labor)
Health and personal care stores-$30,890 Offices of physicians- $30,560 Offices of other health practitioners -$26,970
Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of dispensing opticians in May 2004 were:
Certifications
Successful completion of the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE)
Renewal of Certification every three years
• Successful completion of the the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE)• Renewal of Certification every three years
ABO Certification Requirements
NCLE Certification Requirements
State Licensing
About 20 States require a license Fulfillment of the required experience and education
set by the guidelines of each individual state Completion of a state administered exam
The National Academy of Opticianry
Dedicated to Education
and Training
Who is the National Academy?
The National Academy of Opticianry is an international organization dedicated solely to education and training for all opticians.
What do we offer?
o Membership
o Educational Materials
o Ophthalmic Career Progression Program
o Educational Seminars
Mission Statement:
Membership
Associate Member (NAO) Fellow Member (FNAO)
Levels of Membership:
o Discounted quality education o Educational seminars with 60% savingso Availability of affordable health insuranceo No-fee credit card through MBNA
Membership Benefits
Membership
Membership Benefits
o Negotiated room rates in conjunction with Vision Expo West o Free subscriptions to 20/20 Magazine o Free nation-wide Job-Bank to post open positions
o Free Continuing Education in the Academy’s Newslettero Availability to Professional Liability Insuranceo Discounted Continuing Education
Educational Materials
Test Preparation
o ABO Renewalo NCLE Renewalo State Renewal Credits
Official ABO Masters
Preparation
Continuing Education
o ABOo NCLEo State Practical
The Ophthalmic Career Progression Program (OCPP)
Objectives
o To increase the competency level of ophthalmic dispensers o To improve eye care through increased knowledge, skill, and
competency procedures
o Be high school graduates, GED or
foreign equivalent
o Be employed in an optical position
o Have a qualified sponsor
Entrance Requirements
Outline of Material Covered: OCPP
VOLUME TWO:Ophthalmic Frames
Ophthalmic InstrumentationLens Ordering Considerations
Final Inspection ~ Quality Control
VOLUME THREEDispensing Procedures
PresbyopiaLow Vision Correction
Understanding Today's Anti-Reflective LensesSpecial Vision Problems
Optical Marketing & Management
VOLUME ONE:Introduction, How to Study, History
Basic Optic PrinciplesOphthalmic Terminology
Anatomy & Physiology of the EyeOptical Math Review
The Ophthalmic Career Progression Program (OCPP)
Completion Requirements
o Successful completion of monitored, multiple-choice examinations for four exams with a score of 70% or higher
o Demonstrated clinical competency as attested by a sponsor
Seminars
o Exciting JCAHPO courses with well-qualified professionals
o Extensive ABO/NCLE Exam
preparation courses
o NAO holds several seminars in Florida and California
o Quality Continuing education with approachable and enthusiastic instructors
Defining Industry Standards
o Working with State Governments to approve licensing training
o Ambassador programs to reach out to communities
o Working in coordination with leading industry associations to develop apprentice standards through the Department of Labor
How can the NAO help you?
o Provide the most up to date approved study materials for ABO/NCLE exams
o Access to free and discounted continuing education
o Provide you with the very best in education
o Prepare you for the industry with intensive programs such as the OCPP
How can the NAO help you?
o An association that has you, the member in the heart of its concernso Sense of community in the growing realm of the optical industryo Helpful staff always willing to answer questionso Invaluable place for information about field
o Help with job searches through our online job banko Links to other associations and information through our website
Contact Information
Telephone:301/577-4828800/229-4828
Fax:301/577-3880
Address:8401 Corporate DriveSuite 605 Landover, Maryland 20785
Electronic mail:
General Information: [email protected] Education: [email protected] Member Services: [email protected]