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What Is a BOC Optician?

Eye care professionals include optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians and optical technicians. Opticians aid their clients by creating the most flattering look possible while correcting their vision.

  1. What an Optician Does

    • A dispensing optician is an eye professional who helps people choose frames, lens materials and lens coatings to match the person's needs and interests. Using a vision prescription provided by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist, the optician makes the glasses or contact lenses for her clients. Opticians measure multiple aspects of their client's eyes in order to fit the frames and lenses correctly to the person's needs.

    Certification

    • Many states in America require opticians to be licensed or certified. Being certified indicates that the optician has certain education requirements and has passed a test of proficiency in the field. By requiring certification, states can be assured that the opticians operating in their jurisdiction are qualified to dispense glasses and lenses competently. Although opticians are not required to be licensed in all states, businesses often prefer to employ only certified opticians. Clients may be more likely to trust an optician who is certified.

    BOC and ABOC Opticians

    • Optician certifying bodies can be regional, state or national. A BOC optician is one who is "Board of Opticianry Certified." The primary certifying organization for opticians is the American Board of Opticianry or ABO. The ABO offers national certification for opticians. Those opticians who are certified through this organization are considered ABO certified or ABOC.

    Advantages of ABOC

    • Being certified through the ABO shows an employer that you meet national standards in the field of opticianry. According to the ABO, 75 percent of employers pay higher salaries to those opticians who are certified, 75 percent of the employers prefer to hire opticians who are certified, and 40 percent show preference to certified opticians when recommending for promotions. Furthermore, 90 percent of states base their licensing guidelines on ABO exams. Therefore, ABO certification can qualify an optician to work in various states, allowing the person to be able to move between states without having to pass additional tests for certification.

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