How to Become an Optician in New York

Are you looking to start a career as an optician in New York?

Explore this article for valuable insights, as we provide information on the licensing process to guide you on your professional journey.

Optician Job Duties

Your daily tasks as an optician encompass a variety of essential functions:

• 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

Optician Training in New York

In New York, several schools offer optician training.

Erie Community College

This community college offers a Vision Care Technology Program.

The admission process requires students to show good grades in Math II and Sciences, in high school.

Students will have to pay more than just the tuition. 

These extra fees will cover:

• Ophthalmic tools,
• Lab coat,
• Liability insurance
• A name tag for use in off-campus clinical work

NYC College of Technology

The program offered here is a bit strict because students aren’t allowed to repeat any course.

They also can’t fail more than 1 course during each year of study.

This is a list of the fees you’re expected to pay:

• Malpractice in0surance fee – $15
• New York State licensure registration fee – $108
• Ophthalmic Dispensing Practical – $525
• Contact Lens Practical – $150
• National licensure fee (ABO) – $225
• National licensure fee (NCLE)  – $225
• Optical tool kit – $235
• All required textbooks (purchased over four semesters)  -$500
• Lab coat, program insignia, safety glasses – $60

Pace University

At this university, students will attend pre-health courses that prepare them for their career of choice.

The good side of this pre-health course is that you’ll be able to create your majors based on your interests and the path you want to follow in the future.

SUNY College of Optometry

This college offers 3 degrees:

•  Doctor of Optometry (OD)
•  PhD in Vision Science
• MS in Vision Science

To enroll in these post-secondary programs, prospective students must meet specific criteria, including:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Completing specific classes with a minimum grade of C
• 2 letters of recommendation
• OAT scores – not older than 5 years
• Minimum GPA of 2.75

Optician training programs exhibit a relatively short duration, with some lasting only 7 months.

However, for those aspiring to enter a graduate program, a more extended training period may be required.

Throughout the training journey, students engage in enlightening courses such as:

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

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in New York

Upon successful completion of the training program, individuals are required to undergo an examination as a prerequisite for obtaining a license.

To qualify for the exam, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• A license in a reciprocal state
• At least 3 years of experience
• Can be an apprenticeship of 3 years in the past 6 years
  • This can be from working as an optician in a state with no licensing requirements
• Graduate from an approved post-secondary optician program with a year of apprenticeship

It is crucial to note that candidates are also required to take the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) administered through the American Board of Opticianry (ABO).

At the Beginner level, candidates should learn about:

• Read prescriptions,
• Fit and dispensing spectacles
• Use standard ophthalmic equipment

The examination incurs a $200 fee, which is generally covered by the employer.

Individuals intending to dispense contact lenses must additionally undertake the National Contact Lens Examiners and pass the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE).

You also need to pay the $200 fee typically covered by the employer.

The examination covers topics like:

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

Essential documents for examination include:

• 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

Certifications expire after 3 years, necessitating renewal.

Lens dispensers must complete 18 hours of education every 3 years, while lens practitioners are required to undertake 20 hours of education once every 3 years.

Optician Salary in New York

In New York, opticians typically command an annual salary of about $56,600.

When considering the national landscape, the median salary for opticians is $53,100 per year,

Take a glance at the table below for insights into the cities within New York where you may find higher earning potential.

It’s important to note that several factors contribute to variations in your potential earnings.

Regional Salary in New York

Optician Schools by State