How to Become an Optician in Kansas

Maybe you would like to change something in your life and become an optician in Kansas.

This profession is quite popular, so let’s see what you must do to start this rewarding career.

Optician Job Duties

Opticians must ensure they provide eyewear that aligns with the specific needs of their customers.

Their daily responsibilities encompass a range of tasks, such as:

• Keeping sales records
• Determining insurance co-pays
• Keeping the inventory
• Preparing eyewear
• Fitting and adjusting eyewear
• Interacting with the labs that make lenses
• Educating customers about eyewear issues and maintenance
• Interpretation of prescriptions
• Repairing broken frames

It’s important to note that opticians are not required to conduct eye examinations or issue eyewear prescriptions for their clients.

Optician Training in Kansas

In Kansas, there are no stringent criteria to initiate a new career.

However, expediting your job search might necessitate obtaining an optician license.

Many employers prefer candidates who have completed the American Board of Opticians (ABO) exam.

Plus, if your career involves working with contact lenses, you may be required to take the National Contact Lens Examiner’s (NCLE) exam.

To smoothly commence your career, you’ll typically need to demonstrate:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Completion of a training program or formal education, with an associate’s degree being particularly valued by employers
• Strong interpersonal skills

These qualifications can enhance your prospects of securing a position in the field of opticianry.

Kansas doesn’t have specific educational requirements for aspiring opticians, but numerous post-secondary institutions offer optician training programs.

While there are no optician training schools within Kansas, you can explore out-of-state or online colleges that offer suitable programs.

It’s crucial to consider the specific requirements of the school you choose for training.

Generally, you might be required to submit:

• 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

Optician training programs may extend up to four years, especially if you opt for higher education options.

Throughout your studies, you will delve into various subjects, including:

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

Otero College

This Colorado college offers its optician training program 100% online.

Enrollment is open at any time, and there are no specific requirements for enrollment.

However, it is suggested to have a high school diploma or its equivalent as this serves as the minimum requirement for the ABO exam.

Upon program completion, a certificate will be awarded.

For those desiring a degree, an option is available to sign up for the Bridge to Bachelor’s degree, which can be selected during the initial enrollment or the first semester.

It is recommended to check with the college and the department to confirm the inclusion of the optometry program.

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in Kansas

The optician license is granted to individuals who have completed a program.

In Kansas, the licensing authority is The Kansas State Board of Examiners, which issues licenses to candidates meeting specific criteria:

• Holding a license in a reciprocal state
• Accumulating a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience
• Completing a 3-year apprenticeship within the last 6 years
• Working as an optician in a state with no licensing requirements
• Graduating from an approved post-secondary optician program, accompanied by a year of apprenticeship

In addition to meeting these requirements, candidates must take the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) administered by the ABO.

The NOCE exam has three difficulty levels:

• Beginner,
• Intermediate,
• Advanced

Subjects covered include reading prescriptions, fitting and dispensing spectacles, and using standard ophthalmic equipment.

Exam fees, typically around $200, are commonly covered by the employing company.

For those aspiring to dispense contact lenses, an additional exam is required.

This is the National Contact Lens Examiners, mirroring the difficulty levels of the ABO.

The exam, costing $200, covers topics such as:

• Pre-fitting for lenses
• Diagnostic fitting
• Dispensing of lenses
• Patient Education
• Delivery
• Follow-up

Employers often cover the fees for this exam as well.

Both license exams are available in both English and Spanish.

Before taking the exams, candidates must submit the following documentation:

• Age over 18
• High school diploma or GED
• Completed application
• Payment of required fees
• Clean criminal record
• Successful completion of the State Practical Examination
• Proof of training, education, or a minimum of 3 years of experience

Optician Certification Renewal

In Kansas, optician licenses must be renewed every two years, necessitating 48 hours of additional education to qualify for renewal.

Optician Salary in Kansas

In Kansas, the annual salary for an optician is around $50,500.

On a national scale, the median salary for opticians stands at $53,100 per year.

The table provided below highlights specific cities in Kansas where one is more likely to achieve higher earnings.

It’s essential to note that multiple factors contribute to variations in optician salaries.

Regional Salary in Kansas

Optician Schools by State