Opticians either work directly with patients to fit corrective lenses and devices or make the lenses in laboratories. They receive prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists to address patients' visual problems like myopia and astigmatism. Opticians must be skilled in using lenses to correct different eye issues, and their legal duties and training requirements vary by state.

1. The Duties of Opticians
The professionals who make the spectacle lenses, contact lenses and other corrective
devices for the human eye are called opticians. They are the next step in the process
that begins when a patient is examined by an ophthalmologist or optician and a
prescription is prepared to address that person's visual problems. The prescription is
sent to the optician, who prepares the corrective device and fits it to the patient. In most
cases, there is some follow-up to ensure that the patient adjusts to the correction and
that no further problem arise.
The optician is skilled in using lenses to correct issues such as myopia and astigmatism
caused by minor flaws in the structure of the eye's own lenses. In some cases there is
more than one problem, and bifocals or trifocals are required.
There are two categories in this profession: dispensing optician and laboratory
technician. The first group is composed of the professionals who work in stores and
offices dealing directly with patients. They are the ones who fit the lenses to the patient
and do any follow-up on the case. The laboratory technicians are the ones who make
the lenses by cutting, grinding and polishing pieces of glass or plastic according to the
directions provided by other professionals.
The legal duties for this profession vary from state to state. In some, they are allowed
to examine some patients and dispense contact lenses. In others, these duties are
reserved for the ophthalmologist or optometrist. The accreditation requirements also
vary widely, with some states requiring up to three years of training. Besides the
educational requirements, there is often a certification test.
Frequently professionals in this group will work in the same office with ophthalmologists
and optometrists so they can confer on the details of cases and benefit from their
combined experience.