What is an optician?

An optician is a person who designs, fits, and dispenses eyeglasses and contact lenses to correct visual problems. They are also known as dispensing opticians. Opticians are not eye doctors, such as ophthalmologists or optometrists, and cannot diagnose eye conditions or prescribe medications. However, they work closely with eye doctors to provide patients with the best possible vision correction.

Some of the tasks that opticians may perform include:

- Conducting basic eye exams to assess visual acuity and refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism)

- Prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses based on the results of eye exams

- Fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses

- Providing instructions on how to use and care for eyeglasses and contact lenses

- Making repairs and adjustments to eyeglasses and frames

- Dispensing specialty eyewear such as low vision aids and safety goggles