Optician job description template

Opticians help patients choose frames and lenses, take the measurements that make glasses work, order and check lenses, and adjust and repair eyewear. Some states license opticians and others don't, so a strong post says whether you need a licensed optician, prefer ABO certification or will train someone with retail or optical experience.

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Optician

Full-time
Your Company is looking for an optician to help our patients see well and look good doing it. You'll guide patients through frame and lens choices, take accurate measurements, order and verify glasses, and fit and adjust eyewear at pickup. You'll work closely with our doctors and front desk so patients have a smooth experience from exam to pickup. If you're detail-oriented and enjoy helping people find what works for them, we'd like to meet you.

What you’ll do

  • Help patients choose frames that suit their prescription, face, lifestyle and budget
  • Explain lens options such as progressives, anti-reflective coatings and photochromic lenses
  • Take pupillary distance and segment height measurements accurately
  • Read prescriptions and enter lens orders with the lab
  • Check finished lenses with a lensometer before dispensing
  • Fit, adjust and repair glasses, including nose pads, temples and hinges
  • Explain vision plan benefits and out-of-pocket costs before ordering
  • Track orders, call patients when glasses are ready and handle remakes when needed

What we’re looking for

  • An optician license where our state requires one, or eligible to get one
  • Experience in an optical shop, eye care practice or eyewear retail
  • Working knowledge of prescriptions, lens types and frame materials
  • Careful with measurements and order details
  • Friendly, patient manner with patients of all ages

Nice to have

  • American Board of Opticianry (ABO) certification
  • National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) certification
  • Experience with vision plans such as VSP or EyeMed
  • Experience with in-office lens edging

Schedule

Full-time, following our office hours, including some evenings and Saturdays when many patients come in for fittings and pickups.

What we offer

  • Free or discounted eyewear for you
  • Paid ABO or licensing exam fees
  • Health insurance for full-time staff
  • Paid time off and holidays

Add your pay, location and schedule when you post. Jobs that show pay get noticeably more applicants.

Screening questions for an optician

Ask these on the application form to sort applicants quickly. They’re added automatically when you post this template.

  • Do you have experience working as an optician or in an optical shop?Yes / No · required
  • Do you hold an optician license or ABO or NCLE certification? Please list them.Short answer · required
  • How would you help a patient who's unhappy with how their new progressives feel?Paragraph

Optician interview questions

  1. Walk me through how you help a patient with a strong prescription choose frames.
  2. How do you measure segment height for progressives, and what can go wrong?
  3. A patient says their new glasses make them dizzy. How do you troubleshoot it?
  4. How do you explain lens options without overselling?
  5. What do you check when you verify a pair of glasses from the lab?
  6. A child keeps breaking their glasses. What would you recommend to the parent?
  7. Which vision plans and lab ordering systems have you used?

Tips for hiring an optician

  • Check whether your state licenses opticians. Where it does, verify the license with the state board before you make an offer.
  • Ask finalists to measure and fit a staff member during the interview. Measurement habits show up fast.
  • Strong retail salespeople can learn optical with good training, and ABO certification gives them a clear goal to work toward.
  • Track remakes after you hire. Frequent remakes point to measuring or ordering mistakes that training can fix.