How to Become an Optician in Georgia

Becoming an optician in the state of Georgia requires a clear understanding of the essential requirements.

To navigate this journey successfully, delve into the following article, where you’ll gain comprehensive insights into the intricacies of licensing for opticians in Georgia.

Unveil the prerequisites and pave the way for your rewarding career in the realm of eye care.

Optician Job Duties in Georgia

Beyond just dispensing glasses, opticians engage in a multifaceted process that involves various tasks aimed at enhancing the visual experience for their clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Eyewear preparation
• Fitting and adjustment frames
• Customer education
• Sales record management
• Insurance co-pays determination
• Inventory Management
• Liaising with Labs

Effective communication with these laboratories ensures that the final product meets the highest standards of quality and precision.

Optician Training in Georgia

Embarking on a journey towards a career in opticianry involves thoughtful consideration of various factors.

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

At this institution, the majority of optician programs extend over a comprehensive two-year duration.

To gain admission into the program, prospective students must:

• Show a high school diploma or GED
• Complete specified prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C
• Submit two letters of recommendation
• Show their OAT scores (dated within the last 5 years)
• Maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75

A distinctive feature of certain programs is the inclusion of a 120-hour externship, providing students with hands-on experience and a real-world perspective on the optician’s role.

This practical component serves as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and the practical skills required in the profession.

Opticianry programs, typically spanning approximately seven months, encompass a comprehensive curriculum.

As students immerse themselves in the program, they delve into subjects such as Introduction to:

• Optometry
• Ocular Anatomy
• Neuroscience (Systems 1)
• Ocular Microbiology
• Ophthalmic Imaging
• Public Health Optometry
• Glaucoma
• Physics.

Prospective students are advised to carefully review the specific requirements and offerings, ensuring a seamless transition into the dynamic world of opticianry.

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in Georgia

Securing a license as an optician in Georgia is a distinctive achievement reserved for those who have undergone a structured training program.

The regulatory authority overseeing this process is the State Board of Dispensing Opticians.

It sets forth specific criteria that aspiring opticians must meet to obtain licensure.

The State Board extends licenses to individuals meeting one of the following qualifications:

• Holding a license in a reciprocal state.
• Accumulating a minimum of three years of relevant experience.
• Completing a three-year apprenticeship within the past six years.
• Working as an optician in a state without licensing requirements.
• Graduating from an approved post-secondary optician program coupled with a year-long apprenticeship.

A pivotal step in the licensure journey involves passing the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO).

The NOCE evaluates candidates at different difficulty levels:

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

The tests focus on spectacles-related topics such as reading prescriptions, fitting and dispensing spectacles, and utilizing standard ophthalmic equipment.

Typically, employers cover the exam fee, which hovers around $200.

However, those aspiring to dispense contact lenses must navigate an additional hurdle.

This is the exam organized by the National Contact Lens Examiners.

Aligning with the ABO, this examination covers pre-fitting, diagnostic fitting, dispensing of lenses, patient education, delivery, and follow-up.

Noteworthy is the bilingual accessibility of these license exams, available in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse range of candidates.

Before sitting for the exams, candidates must submit a comprehensive set of documents, such as:

• ID
• A high school diploma or GED
• A completed application
• Requisite fees
• A clean criminal record
• Successful completion of the State Practical Examination
• Evidence of training, education, or a minimum of three years of experience.

Optician Certification Renewal

Opticians in Georgia must renew their licenses every two years.

This requires the completion of an additional 10 hours of education to ensure they stay abreast of industry developments.

The process underscores the commitment to ongoing professional growth and the continuous pursuit of excellence within the field of opticianry in the state of Georgia.

Optician Salary in Georgia

Your salary as an optician in Georgia will vary between $45,600 and $59,200 a year.

At the federal level, opticians earn around $53,000 per year, on average.

This is especially true if you reside in a large city such as Atlanta.

Regional Salary in Georgia

Optician Schools by State