How to Become an Optician in Delaware

People often overlook the health of their eyes for most of their lives, with deteriorating eyesight typically associated with aging.

Embarking on a career as an optician in Delaware offers the opportunity to assist individuals in achieving clearer vision, irrespective of their age.

If a profession in this medical field captures your interest, continue reading!

Optician Job Duties

Opticians engage in a series of tasks and actions to meet the needs of their clients.

The following compilation outlines the key responsibilities to accomplish this objective:

• Deciphering and understanding prescriptions
• Crafting eyewear
• Fitting and fine-tuning eyewear
• Providing education on eyewear concerns and upkeep
• Maintaining sales records
• Calculating insurance co-pays
• Managing inventory
• Collaborating with lens manufacturing labs

In addition, opticians must consider the patient’s budget and preferences, beyond solely adhering to the doctor’s prescription.

It’s important to note that opticians are not trained to examine eyes or issue prescriptions for vision correction eyewear.

Delaware distinguishes itself as a state without specific regulations governing opticians.

Within the state, the primary repository of information in the opticianry field is the Delaware chapter of the American Optometric Association.

Employers wield the authority to establish the criteria for the opticians they choose to hire.

These requirements may encompass:

• Attainment of an Associate’s degree or a proportional work experience, equivalent to four years or 8,000 hours.
• Confirmation of successful completion of the ABO and NCLE exams.
• Validation of the completion of an apprenticeship.
• Possession of a valid license.
• Maintenance of a pristine criminal record.
• Submission of a comprehensive application.
• Provision of a recent photograph.

Optician Training in Delaware

Delaware lacks legal frameworks or official mandates for aspiring opticians, and formal education options for these professionals are also absent within the state.

However, individuals with an interest in specialized courses have several avenues to explore:

• Participate in an apprenticeship program.
• Enroll in an online training course.
• Join a program at a college situated in a different state.

While schools typically impose specific requirements for optician program enrollment, such criteria may include:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED.
• Successful completion of designated classes with a minimum grade of C.
• Submission of two letters of recommendation.
• OAT scores must not be older than 5 years
• Maintenance of a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Upon meeting these qualifications and gaining acceptance, anticipate studying various topics, including:

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

The duration of formal education programs can range from a minimum of seven months to at least two years if not more.

The type of credential earned before obtaining a license is contingent on the program’s duration, with shorter programs awarding certificates or diplomas, and those spanning at least two years granting Associate’s degrees.

The American Board of Opticianry recommends amassing at least 2 or 3 years of experience before attempting the licensing exam.

Borough of Manhattan Community College

This is a community college that offers its classes 100% online.

As such, there is no set class starting dates, and candidates can enroll at any time.

Additionally, there are also no requirements to enroll, but it’s best to have at least a high school diploma or a GED.

Through the course offered here, you’ll learn among others, about:

• Simple math and algebra
• Soft contact lenses
• Gas-permeable contact lenses
• Legal responsibilities and ethics
• The parts of the eye
• Refractive errors
• Strabismus and amblyopia
• Other common ocular conditions
• Prism basics

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in Delaware

In Delaware, possessing a license is not obligatory for pursuing a career as an optician.

Obtaining one can significantly enhance your prospects of securing employment, as well as increase your salary and broaden your career options.

There are two examinations available for individuals aspiring to work as opticians:

• The National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) is offered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO).
• The Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) is offered by the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE).

Both the NOCE and CLRE are offered in both English and Spanish, with a cost of approximately $200 each.

These exams are computer-based and have a duration of two hours.

The CLRE is typically an optional exam, for individuals specializing in working with contact lenses.

The passing score for both exams is 70%, and they are proctored by Prometric.

Each exam comprises three difficulty levels:

• Beginner,
• Intermediate,
• Advanced.

The American Board of Opticianry provides ample materials to assist in exam preparation.

Documents that may be required for submission to the Delaware Chapter of the American Optometric Association include:

• Proof of identity
• A high school diploma or GED
• An application form
• Payment of the application fee
• A clean criminal record
• Exam scores.

Both the ABO and NCLE diplomas must be renewed every three years, necessitating individuals to continue their education and fulfill additional fee requirements during the renewal process.

Optician Salary in Delaware

Several factors contribute to determining the earnings of opticians, including:

• Job Title
• Certification
• Location
• Job Duties
• Management Roles
• Sales vs. Technician Roles

In Delaware, opticians earn around $54,200 per year.

For a comprehensive understanding of the specific salaries in Delaware, refer to the table provided below!

Optician Schools by State