Optician

Duties and Responsibilities: Opticians are eye care professionals who select and fit contacts and eyeglasses for patients. After an ophthalmologist writes a prescription, dispensing opticians take eye measurements and determine how a patient's occupation, lifestyle and facial features affect his or her eyewear needs. Patient information is then provided to lab technicians to create properly fitted frames. Opticians also make suggestions about frame shapes, styles and colors, lenses and special lens coatings, such as anti-glare materials. Some opticians are also responsible for grinding and tinting lenses, repairing glasses and fitting contacts. Some offices may require opticians to perform front-desk duties and fill out insurance claims. Strong customer services and a professional appearance are also mandatory.

Salary: Opticians earned a median salary of $33,770 in 2013. The best-paid earned $54,490 while the lowest-paid earned $21,290.

Education: A number of community colleges and technical schools offer formal education in optician. Some award an associate’s degree, which takes two years.