How to Become an Optician in South Carolina

There are many reasons to start working as an optician in North Carolina.

If you feel like this is the right path for you, then you should learn the steps to becoming an optician.

Take a look at this guide we have brought you in order to learn more!

Optician Job Duties

Optical professionals assist individuals in selecting the perfect eyewear that suits their needs.

However, opticians neither provide eyeglass prescriptions nor conduct eye examinations.

Typical responsibilities in this role encompass:

• Crafting and preparing eyewear
• Custom-fitting and adjusting eyewear
• Enlightening customers on eyewear-related concerns and upkeep
• Maintaining sales records
• Calculating insurance co-payments
• Managing inventory
• Collaborating with lens-manufacturing labs

Optician Training in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the oversight of opticians falls under the purview of the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Opticianry.

To meet the regulatory standards you must to enroll in a formal educational program leading to a diploma.

However, you must also complete the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam.

Additionally, aspiring opticians have the option to take the National Contact Lens Examiner’s (NCLE) exam to further enhance their credentials.

When seeking employment, potential employers may request evidence of the following qualifications:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Completion of a training program or formal education, with an associate’s degree diploma being highly valued by employers
• Demonstrated good interpersonal skills
• Keen attention to detail
• Reliability in executing duties
• A clean criminal record

Opting for a specialized college training program stands out as the most straightforward approach to skill development.

Online programs are also a viable option, provided they align with the necessary licensing prerequisites.

Borough of Manhattan Community College

While South Carolina currently lacks in-person training programs for opticians, you can still pursue online studies.

This community college provides a 100% online course with no set start dates, and there are no specific requirements for enrollment.

Upon completion of this course, students will be well-prepared to take the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) certification exam.

Some of the topics covered in this class include:

• Simple math and algebra
• Soft contact lenses
• Gas-permeable contact lenses
• Legal responsibilities and ethics
• The parts of the eye
• Refractive errors
• Strabismus and amblyopia
• Other common ocular conditions
• Prism basics

Before embarking on a program, meeting the school’s criteria is imperative.

These requirements often encompass:

• 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

The duration of an optician training program typically spans from 7 months to 2 years, inclusive of an apprenticeship period.

Throughout the training, a combination of theoretical classes and hands-on practice is involved.

Key subjects covered include:

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

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in South Carolina

The licensing requirements set by the South Carolina Board for opticians are as follows.

Training Program or Apprenticeship

Completion of a training program at either the certificate or Associate’s degree level.

Alternatively, completion of a 2-year apprenticeship under a licensed optician.

National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE):

• Successful passage of the NOCE through the ABO.
• The exam comprises three levels:
  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced.

The exam topics for the beginner level are:

• Reading prescriptions
• Fitting and dispensing spectacles
• Using standard ophthalmic equipment
• A mandatory $200 fee, is typically covered by the employer.

National Contact Lens Examiners

For those aspiring to work as a lens dispenser, passing the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) is mandatory.

The CLRE also entails a $200 fee, usually covered by the hiring company.

Exam topics include pre-fitting for lenses, diagnostic fitting, dispensing of lenses, patient education, delivery, and follow-up.

The submission requirements are:

• Age over 18
• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Completion of an application
• Payment of specified fees
• A clean criminal record
• Successful passage of the State Practical Examination
• Proof of completed training, education, or a minimum of 3 years of experience

Optician Certification Renewal

South Carolina mandates opticians to renew their licenses every 3 years.

Renewal requires an additional 8 hours of class, ensuring continuous professional development.

Optician Salary in South Carolina

Once you’ve acquired the necessary qualifications, it’s time to embark on your job search.

In South Carolina, the salary range for opticians typically falls between $44,400 and $57,600.

The specific compensation you receive hinges on factors such as your geographical location and the depth of your professional experience.

Regional Salary in South Carolina

Optician Schools by State