Who is the optician and what do they do? The optician ‘s task is to test eyesight, looking for any disease or defect (in which case they may recommend a patient to a doctor or ophthalmologist). They may work independently or under the guidance of more highly qualified optician or ophthalmologist (a doctor with a specialism in eyesight and related problems). The optician may work either in shops and services specialising in spectacle optics, or in healthcare establishments. [In some countries there may be a division between those (dispensing opticians) who simply fit and sell glasses and contact lenses according to a prescription provided by an optometrist and those who themselves perform eye tests and write such prescriptions for glasses and lenses – optometrists.] [In hospitals they may also be known as orthoptists and work particularly with children with abnormal eye movements and defective vision.}
What are the activities of the optician job?
In healthcare establishments: the optician Examines the patients’ eyesight, measuring its sharpness by means of eye measuring devices, usually in collaboration with, or under the guidance of an ophthalmologist.
In shops and retail services: Giving advice to the customers regarding the purchase of spectacles, or shades, the choice of rims as well as glasses – sale of spectacles and other optical devices, cases, suspension chains, and cleaning supplies for spectacles – exchange of the clients’ glasses for stronger or weaker ones according to a more highly, or medically, qualified optician’s prescription – adjustments of the spectacles so as to fit the customer well, making sure they are comfortable and not pinching or pressing anywhere – repair of damaged spectacles – referring the customers to an opthalmologist if necessary – completing necessary paperwork on the receipt of orders, the receipt of money, bookkeeping and other administrative work.
Where is it done and under what conditions? Mainly in shops or optical centre, like a clinic – the working environment should not present any problems for most people.