Licensure/Certification Opticians must pass the licensure examination administered by the Board of Opticianry before practicing in Florida. Successful completion of the American Board of Opticianry Examiners examination (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examination (NCLE) is a prerequisite to sitting for the Florida State opticianry licensure examination. Continuing education hours are required every two years for license renewal. Salary The average hourly wage for Dispensing Opticians in Florida in 2006 was $16.99. The average hourly wage for Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians in Florida in 2006 was $12.14. Educational Programs Associate Degree Hillsborough Community College - Dale Mabry Campus Miami-Dade College Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree Broward Community College Professional Associations Optical Society of America Opticians Association of America

Opticians make prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses according to the specifications of optometrists or ophthalmologists. There are two kinds of opticians, dispensing opticians and optical laboratory technicians.

Areas of Specialization
Dispensing opticians help patients select the size, color, and shape of their frames then measure the patients' faces to decide exactly where the lenses should be placed. After the eyeglasses have been made, the dispensing optician measures and adjusts the glasses for proper fit.

Optical laboratory technicians generally work in laboratories that fill orders from dispensing opticians. In general, they grind, polish, measure, surface, finish, inspect, and mount the lenses into frames, and make sure that the lenses and frames fit properly. An optical laboratory technician is not required to be a licensed optician.

Work Environment
Most dispensing opticians work in stores that sell eyeglasses, while optical laboratory technicians work in laboratories and have limited contact with the public. Retail stores that have laboratories on their premises employ both kinds of opticians. Opticians also work for optometrists or ophthalmologists. Most opticians work 40-hour weeks which may include evenings and weekends.

Job Outlook
The number of Dispensing Opticians employed in Florida in 2006 was 4,586. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 5,274, an annual average growth rate of 1.9 percent. The number of Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians employed in Florida in 2006 was 2,628. It is projected that in 2014 there will be 2,946, an annual average growth rate of 1.5 percent.

Length of Training/Requirements
High school graduates can apply to a two-year program at community colleges leading to an associate degree or a one-year certificate program. However, you cannot become a licensed optician through a one-year certificate program. The curriculum may include physical and geometrical optics, anatomy and physiology of the eye, contact lenses, ophthalmic dispensing procedures, ophthalmic management policy and procedures, introduction to retailing, and clinical practicum. Opticians may also become licensed through an apprenticeship program which consists of 6,240 hours completed within a five-year period.

Advancement
With experience, dispensing opticians can become managers or open up their own businesses. The optical laboratory technician may advance to a supervisory level.