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An optician is a healthcare professional who interprets the eyewear prescriptions given by optometrists and ophthalmologists.
They’re likely to spend more time with the patients than those prescribing the vision correction eyewear.
Yet, becoming an optician in Alabama is not difficult at all.
If you’re interested in the steps you must follow for this career path, look no further!
I researched for you and compiled the info in this presentation, so read on!
Article Table of Contents
Optician Job Duties
Living in a consumerist society means that businesses need to have a daily and steady flow of clientele.
Without a good optician, this is not likely to happen for a shop selling vision-correcting gear.
A good optician is not only good at maintaining loyal clients but he or she also manages to bring new ones.
Furthermore, this professional also completes their daily job duties:
- Eyeglass and contact lens fitting
- Helping clients choose the right frame
- Keeping inventory and sales records
- Interpretation of prescriptions
- Repairing broken frames
- Adjusting eyeglasses for a proper fit
- Keeping track of orders
- Educating customers about eyewear issues and maintenance
These are not all the tasks you’ll deal with as a future optician, but the most common.
Remember that you’ll need a special diploma if you’ll dispense contact lenses.
Optician Training in Alabama
In Alabama, opticians don’t need to undergo special training or earn credentials.
Employers, however, are free to set requirements for the position.
These prerequisites usually involve undergoing training and having a certification.
The American Board of Opticianry is the body overseeing these professionals and issuing certifications.
Optician Apprenticeship Training
In Alabama, the best way of getting trained is through an apprenticeship under a certified optician.
Becoming an apprentice has its requirements as well.
They include:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Passing a background check
- The sponsor’s information
- An application
- Health history
- References
- Work history
These hands-on training programs last for about 2 years.
Despite this, earning a degree in the field is recommended.
Here are some institutions you can consider.
Wallace State Community College 
Through Wallace State, students can sit through the exam organized by ABO.
The program is available completely online.
Here are some of the topics taught in this course:
- Terminology
- Calculations
- Procedures
- How prisms and lenses work
This course has a duration of 14 weeks.
University of Alabama 
Through the School of Optometry at this University, students will attend 5 modules:
- Cornea and Contact Lens
- Ocular Disease and Low Vision
- Optical Services
- Pediatrics and Binocular Vision
- Primary Care
Some of the subjects include:
- Vision therapy
- Developmental vision
- Myopia control
- Dry eye relief
The tuition per semester is around $10,000 per semester for the residents of the state.
Those coming from other states will have to pay around $18,000 per semester.
All students have to pay additional fees for each year they’re enrolled.
The duration of the program is 4 years, and you will obtain a Doctor of Optometry diploma.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Wallace State | 801 Main Street NW | P.O. Box 2000 Hanceville AL, 35077-2000 |
| University of Alabama | 1716 University Blvd Birmingham, Alabama 35233 |
Certification or Licensure for an Optician in Alabama
The American Board of Opticianry organizes licensure exams at these levels:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
ABO offers the National Opticianry Competency Exam (NOCE) to future opticians.
Those who pass the test organized by the National Contact Lens Examiners obtain the contact lens dispensing diploma.
The Professional Examination Services (PES) administers the 2 tests.
Each of the exams has 125 questions and each lasts for 2.5 hours.
Only individuals that are over the age of 18 can attend.
They must also pay the $225 exam fee, for each test.
The ABO exam covers:
- Analyzing and interpreting prescriptions
- Fitting and dispensing spectacles
- The use of standard ophthalmic equipment
The NCLE covers:
- Pre-fit, preparation, and evaluation
- Diagnostic fit and evaluation
- Patient Education
- Lens dispensing
- Delivery procedures
- Follow-up visits
- Admin issues
This exam is available in Spanish as well.
Optician Certification Renewal
Individuals holding a Beginner certification will have to renew it after 3 years.
This requires:
- Completing a series of continuing education classes
- Pay the renewal fee
After you renew your credential at least once, you qualify to become an Advanced Optician.
You’ll also need:
- 3 years of experience
- The basic certification.
Optician Salary in Alabama
In Alabama, an optician earns around $48,600 per year.
At the national level, the median optician salary is $53,000 per year.
The table below shows the cities in Alabama where you’re likely to earn more.
Do keep in mind that there are various factors influencing your earnings.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Fruithurst | $51,600 |
| Brownsboro | $50,600 |
| Huntsville | $50,600 |
| Woodville | $50,400 |
| Dawson | $50,200 |
| Birmingham | $50,000 |
| Hollywood | $49,400 |
| Akron | $49,200 |
| Linden | $49,200 |
| Auburn | $47,800 |
Regional Salary in Alabama
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | 190 | $34,320 | $16.5 | $47,500 | $18,400 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 40 | $31,890 | $15.33 | $41,980 | $17,900 |
| Dothan, AL | 60 | $30,880 | $14.85 | $37,750 | $23,490 |
| Huntsville, AL | 80 | $32,670 | $15.71 | $46,500 | $18,680 |
| Mobile, AL | 60 | $31,220 | $15.01 | $41,870 | $17,850 |
| Montgomery, AL | 50 | $33,790 | $16.25 | $45,180 | $26,260 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 30 | $33,120 | $15.92 | $46,230 | $18,170 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stay updated on changes to the regulations regarding opticians in Alabama?
Many organizations change their rules and regulations.
Here are some institutions that can help you stay up-to-date with changes in the industry:
- 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
- Alabama Society of Dispensing Opticians
Where can I find work as an optician in Alabama?
Here are some of the places hiring opticians:
- Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation
- Low Birth Weight Clinic
- Nursing homes
- Private optician practices
What are the skills needed by an optician in Alabama?
Opticians have the following abilities:
- Attention to details
- Good communication skills
- Adaptable to new situations
- Business skills
- Physical stamina
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks
Read the full guide: How to Become an Optician
Optician Schools by State