How to Become an Optician in California

The demand for opticians in California is quite high, and if you ever considered a health-related career, this one could be the one!

Read this guide to learn what it takes to become an optician in California, as well as the possible salary you could have!

Optician Job Description and Duties in California

Most people need eyewear to correct their vision and an optician is there to help them choose the best device based on needs and preferences.

These are the tasks most commonly completed by opticians:

• Reading and interpretation of prescriptions
• Preparing eyewear
• Fitting and adjusting eyewear
• Educating customers about eyewear issues and maintenance
• Keeping sales records
• Determining insurance co-pays
• Keeping the inventory
• Interacting with the labs that make lenses

Contrary to what some might think opticians cannot inspect the eyes nor prescribe corrective eyewear.

Optician Job Requirements in California

California is one of the states where rules and regulations govern opticians.

They may start working as apprentices or may choose to enroll in a formal educational program.

However, they do need to pass some exams and become licensed in order to work on their own.

Candidates need to obtain licenses from:

• The American Board of Opticians (ABO)
• The Board of Optometry in California
• The National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE) – optional

An optician in California may also be asked for:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Being at least 21 years old
• Good interpersonal skills
• A clean criminal record, both at the state and federal levels

Optician Education in California

A future optician in California needs to have good knowledge of math and physics, therefore a degree from an accredited program is important.

These programs can last between 27 and 50 weeks, sometimes more, and the schools below all have good programs to consider.

For instance, a shorter program of 27 weeks is offered by the Charles A Jones Career and Education Center where graduates receive a certificate of completion.

At the American Career College, the programs are longer, of 2 years and the graduates also obtain a certificate.

The University of California in Berkeley has several programs to choose from, offering either certifications or degrees, up to a doctorate diploma.

Of course, not everyone can attend these programs in person and they have the option to choose an online program as long as the Board’s training criteria are met.

Each school has different prerequisites for enrollment and the most common of them are:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Completing specific classes with a minimum grade of C
• 2 letters of recommendation
• OAT scores – not older than 5 years
• Minimum GPA of 2.75

Below is a brief list of subjects you’ll learn in-depth about:

• Introduction to Optometry
• Ocular Anatomy
• Systems 1: Neuroscience
• Ocular Microbiology
• Ophthalmic Imaging
• Public Health Optometry
• Glaucoma
• Physics

Optician Certification in California

If you want to work as an optician in California, you have to make sure you get licensed by:

• The Medical Board of California
• The American Board of Optometry

This means you’ll have to pass some exams first:

• The National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) offered by ABO
• The Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) offered by the National Contact Lens Examiners.

The NOCE is meant only for spectacles, it lasts for 2 hours, and it can be taken in English or Spanish.

The CLRE is for individuals who need to work with contact lenses, and this exam is also available in English or Spanish.

There are 3 levels of expertise for both exams:

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

Each test costs around $200, employers can cover this fee usually.

The minimum passing score is 70%.

NOCE usually covers these topics:

• Reading prescriptions,
• Fitting and dispensing spectacles
• Using standard ophthalmic equipment

The topics for the CLRE are:

• Pre-fitting for lenses,
• Diagnostic fitting,
• Dispensing of lenses,
• Patient education,
• Delivery
• Follow-up

When signing up for the license, you’ll need these papers:

• Proof of identity
• A high school diploma or GED
• An application
• Proof you paid the fee
• A clean criminal record
• Exams scores

The California Association of Dispensing Opticians issues these licenses:

• Registered Dispensing Optician (for the place of business)
•  Registered Spectacle Lens Designers
•  Registered Contact Lens Designers
•  Non-resident Contact Lens Sellers

Your license will need regular renewal, at least every year.

Optician Employment and Salary in California

It’s good to know ahead of time the places where you could work as an optician in California.

These are the main facilities needing licensed professionals in this field:

• Stores
• Offices
• Optometry practices
• Hospitals
• Clinics

In California salaries are higher than in most other states, however, the cost of living there is also higher.

Experience, location, and the number of certifications will definitely affect how much you’ll earn in this state.

The average salaries in the most important cities in California can be seen below.

Regional Salary in California

Additional Information for Opticians in California

The field related to eye health is ever-changing and having good resources to keep you informed is vital.

Opticians in California can use these resources:

• American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners (ABO-NCLE)
• American Optometric Association
• Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
• Commission on Opticianry Accreditation
• National Optometric Association
• Medical Board of California
• California Board of Optometry
• California Association of Dispensing Opticians