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.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 
 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.

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