How to Become an Optician in Arkansas

Arkansas has a significant population in need of eyewear to enhance their vision, creating a substantial demand for opticians throughout the state.

If you’re considering a career as an optician in Arkansas, this article provides valuable insights into the requirements and steps involved.

Optician Job Description and Duties in Arkansas

Opticians play a crucial role in addressing individual needs and preferences for vision correction gear.

Their responsibilities encompass:

• Preparing eyewear
• Fitting and adjusting eyewear
• Educating customers on eyewear issues and maintenance
• Maintaining sales records
• Determining insurance co-pays
• Managing inventory
• Coordinating with lens-manufacturing labs

It’s important to note that opticians in Arkansas do not engage in eye inspections or prescribing glasses.

Optician Job Requirements in Arkansas

Opticians in Arkansas must undergo training, either as apprentices or by enrolling in a formal education program.

Additionally, they need to obtain a license, which may include:

• The American Board of Opticians (ABO)
• The Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians (ABDO)
• The National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE)
  • This one is optional, but mandatory for those dispensing contact lenses

Other requirements include:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Being at least 21 years old
• Possessing good interpersonal skills.

Optician Education in Arkansas

Future opticians can attend programs with national accreditation and approval from the Board.

These programs typically last at least 18 months and are followed by an 18-month apprenticeship.

Alternatively, individuals can accumulate at least five years of experience as an apprentice or assistant to a licensed optician.

Keep in mind that each educational institution may have distinct prerequisites for enrollment, including:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Completion of specific classes with a minimum grade of C
• Submission of two letters of recommendation
• OAT scores (not exceeding 5 years old)
• Minimum GPA of 2.75

Subjects covered in the optometry formal education program include:

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

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Upon acceptance into the program, graduates have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Ophthalmic Medical Technology.

The Ophthalmology Department also provides continuing education opportunities through Grand Rounds and seminars.

A semester will cost you $16,500 if you’re a resident of this state.

Those coming from other states will have to pay almost double that amount, per semester.

University of Central Arkansas

The curriculum at the University of Central Arkansas positions students for a pathway toward a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree at a specialized school.

This means the program offered here is a pre-optometry one.

Its duration is 4 years.

The program is followed by 96 hours of college courses.

You should be able to earn a Bachelor’s Degree.

For those seeking additional educational options, exploring neighboring states or online programs is a viable choice.

However, it is imperative to confirm acceptance by the Arkansas Board before enrolling in any alternative program.

Optician Certification in Arkansas

The Arkansas State Board of Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) issues licenses to opticians.

However, they must first pass the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) offered by ABO.

This two-hour exam focuses on spectacles and covers topics such as reading prescriptions, fitting and dispensing spectacles, and using standard ophthalmic equipment.

For those interested in dispensing contact lenses, the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) is required.

Both exams are available at basic, intermediate, and advanced levels and can be taken in English or Spanish.

When signing up for exams, expect to provide documentation such as:

• Proof of age
• A high school diploma or GED
• An application
• Fee payment confirmation
• A clean criminal record
• Proof of completed apprenticeship and/or education.

Ensure thorough consideration of these requirements and subjects when exploring educational opportunities in optometry.

The 2 exams cost around $200 each.

Those who are apprentices already can ask their employers to pay the exam fees.

Keeping updated with what’s new in the field is mandatory for all medical professionals.

Most of them are even mandated to continue their education, especially opticians and other entry-level healthcare workers.

This can easily be done through online classes or programs.

By continuing your education as an optician, you’ll be making the most of your career and even have the possibility of being offered higher-paying positions.

Optician Employment and Salary in Arkansas

Upon obtaining the necessary licenses, opticians can apply for positions in various facilities.

Some of these are stores, offices, optometry practices, hospitals, and clinics.

The average annual salary for an optician in Arkansas is at least $48,200, with actual earnings influenced by factors such as experience, workplace, and location.

The median salary at the national level for this position is $53,000 per year.

Regional Salary in Arkansas

Optician Schools by State