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Medical & WelfareStable

Optician, Dispensing

Operational-level

Also known as: Certified Optician, Contact Lens Fitter, Contact Lens Technician, Dispensing and Measuring Optician

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Design, measure, fit, and adapt lenses and frames for client according to written optical prescription or specification. Assist client with inserting, removing, and caring for contact lenses. Assist client with selecting frames. Measure customer for size of eyeglasses and coordinate frames with facial and eye measurements and optical prescription. Prepare work order for optical laboratory containing instructions for grinding and mounting lenses in frames. Verify exactness of finished lens spectacles. Adjust frame and lens position to fit client. May shape or reshape frames. Includes contact lens opticians.
OpticianryOphthalmic DispensingEyewear FittingVision CareHealthcareCustomer ServiceMedical AssistingCreativeDesignMedical Careers

A Day in the Life

Your workday begins as you unlock the optical shop, the scent of lens cleaner faintly lingering from last night. You power on the computers, loading the practice management software to review today’s appointments. After a quick scan, you tidy the frame displays, ensuring everything looks perfect. "Looks like a busy one," Maya, the front desk coordinator, says as she arrives, grabbing a coffee. You both discuss a complex progressive lens fitting scheduled for mid-morning, mentally preparing for the day's first clients.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+4.2%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

5,600

per year (US)

Jobs today

74,300

in 2025 → 77,400 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This career has a stable outlook, with about 5,600 job openings expected each year through 2035. Employment is projected to grow by 4.2% over the next decade. The median annual wage is around $47,260. With experience, you can move into roles like a contact lens specialist or manage an optical store.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Optical Assistant
  • Optical Sales Associate
  • Optometry Clinic Receptionist

Where it can lead

  • Optical Store Manager
  • Contact Lens Specialist
  • Optical Products Trainer

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly assist dispensing opticians by automating precise measurements, analyzing facial features for frame recommendations, and managing inventory. While AI can streamline administrative tasks and data analysis, the human touch remains essential for personalized fitting, empathetic client interaction, and complex problem-solving regarding vision needs and comfort.