How to Become an Optician in Oregon

There are many reasons to start a career as an optician in Oregon.

If you want to know what are the rules and regulations in this state, all you have to do is read the article below.

Optician Job Duties

Opticians play a crucial role in guiding clients toward selecting the ideal eyewear tailored to their specific requirements.

It’s important to note that as an optician, your role does not extend to prescribing glasses.

Daily, your responsibilities will encompass a diverse array of tasks, including:

• Meticulously preparing eyewear
• Skillfully fitting and adjusting eyewear for optimal comfort
• Providing education to customers about various eyewear-related issues and maintenance practices
• Maintaining detailed sales records
• Determining insurance co-pays for seamless transactions
• Efficiently managing and organizing inventory
• Facilitating communication with labs responsible for crafting lenses

This multifaceted role ensures that opticians contribute to the overall eyecare experience.

Optician Training in Oregon

Embarking on the journey to acquire the necessary training as an optician is best achieved through enrollment in a comprehensive training program.

To explore the available options in your area, investigate schools offering optician training programs.

Pacific University

This university offers the following study options:

• A doctor of optometry program
• Several residency programs
• A master of science in vision science program
• a Ph.D. in vision science
• Master of Education/Visual Function in Learning program
• Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management
• Continuing education classes

Furthermore, students can practice at a variety of eye clinics across Portland.

Portland Community College

The course offered by this college has a hybrid form, with some of the classes offered online.

The classes don’t have more than 24 students, something many students seek.

Clinical practice is done at reputable optometry clinics in the area, another plus for this institution.

Portland State University

Here students have access to a pre-optometry training program.

The program is very useful for those who want to earn various degrees and then work in this field.

Candidates must complete 10 hours of training alongside a licensed optometrist before enrolling.

Another requirement is to have earned a Bachelor’s Degree before applying to the program.

Consider exploring courses offered by universities beyond state borders, including those available online.

Admission criteria for these programs often include:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Successful completion of specific classes with a minimum grade of C
• Submission of two letters of recommendation
• OAT scores within the last 5 years
• Maintenance of a minimum GPA of 2.75

Typically, completion of an optician program spans approximately 7 months.

Courses within these programs cover a spectrum of essential topics, such as:

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

This program ensures that aspiring opticians receive a well-rounded education to thrive in their future careers.

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in Oregon

First, you will have to prove you meet one of the next 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

Candidates have to take the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) with the ABO.

The examination features 3 different levels of difficulty:

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

The easiest level entails:

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

You will also have to submit a $200 processing fee.

To become a lens dispenser, you must take the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE).

Just like in the previous case, you will have to submit a $200 fee.

The exam topics are:

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

The paperwork you need to submit includes:

• 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

This state requires you to renew your optician license once in 3 years.

Before you can do that, you need to take some additional education credits.

Optician Salary in Oregon

In this state, the average annual salary for an optician stands is about x.

In certain cities, the earning potential can rise significantly, with the possibility of reaching up to about $53,400 on average per year.

Have a look at the table below for more information regarding salaries in Oregon.

Regional Salary in Oregon

Optician Schools by State