How to Become an Optician in Maryland

Exploring job opportunities in Maryland?

A promising avenue to consider is opting for a career as an optician.

Delve into the article below to gain valuable insights and tips on the licensing process.

Optician Job Duties

Residing in a consumer-driven society underscores the imperative for businesses to secure a consistent daily influx of customers.

The pivotal role of an adept optician is indispensable for achieving this objective.

An exceptional optician excels not only in maintaining a faithful clientele but also in attracting new patrons.

In addition to building and sustaining client relationships, these professionals diligently perform daily responsibilities, including:

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

While these tasks represent a substantial portion of an optician’s responsibilities, they are by no means exhaustive.

It is essential to note that aspiring opticians aiming to dispense contact lenses are required to obtain a specialized diploma.

Optician Training in Maryland

In Maryland, 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.

Carroll Community College

This community college offers a certification program for those interested in becoming opticians in Maryland.

The course is offered 100% online, and all you need is a computer or laptop that meets the requirements outlined on the college’s website.

While not mandatory, it is highly recommended you possess a high school diploma or the GED.

The tuition covers the books you’ll need for the course, either in printed format or as a digital copy, depending on the available stock of the printed books.

The course has a duration of 150 hours and it costs under $2,000.

Hagerstown Community College

At this college, you can access another course that is offered 100% online.

Through this course, you’ll:

• Get ready to complete the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) exam.
• Acquire the skills to interpret and assign prescriptions to customers.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the human eye and its functions.
• Familiarize yourself with the corrective eye care solutions available for patients.
• Gain knowledge on the functioning of prisms and lenses.

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in Maryland

In the state of Maryland, the licensing entities are the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE).

Both of these also offer licensing exams.

To qualify for an optician license, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• Possess a license in a reciprocal state.
• Accumulate a minimum of 3 years of practical experience.
• Complete a 3-year apprenticeship within the past 6 years.
• Hold a position as an optician in a state without licensing requirements.
• Graduate from an approved post-secondary optician program, accompanied by a year of apprenticeship.

Furthermore, future opticians have to pass the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) in conjunction with the ABO.

This licensing test is available in three difficulty levels:

• Beginner,
• Intermediate
• Advanced

The subjects covered in the ABO exam at the Beginner level encompass:

• Reading prescriptions,
• Fitting and dispensing spectacles
• Using standard ophthalmic equipment

The associated exam fee is $200, often covered by the employer.

A separate test is required for those aspiring to dispense contact lenses, known as the National Contact Lens Examiners.

Success in this examination necessitates passing the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE), with a corresponding fee of $200.

The employer typically covers this fee.

The CLRE exam evaluates competencies in:

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

Importantly, these exams are available in both English and Spanish.

The documents you need to prepare for the test are:

• Age over 18
• A high school diploma or GED
• To fill out an application
• To pay some fees
• A clean criminal record
• Passing the State Practical Examination
• Proof of completed training, education, or at least 3 years of experience

Optician Certification Renewal

If you have a beginner certification, you need to renew it once at 3 years.

This involves:

• Pay some fees
• Attend some extra education hours

After renewing your certification once, you can become an Advanced Optician.

For this, you need to:

• Accumulate three years of practical experience.
• Maintain the basic certification

Optician Salary in Maryland

In the state of Maryland, opticians can expect an average annual income ranging from $48,500 to $62,900, offering a spectrum of earning potential within this dynamic field.

Regional Salary in Maryland

Optician Schools by State