How to Become an Optician in South Dakota

Maybe you want to start a career as an optician in South Dakota.

In that case, let’s see what the requirements are for this job.

After you read this article, you will have a much better idea of how to start.

Optician Job Duties

Opticians play a pivotal role in guiding clients to select eyewear that complements their unique style and facial features.

It’s crucial to note that as an optician, you won’t be involved in providing glasses prescriptions.

The diverse responsibilities of opticians encompass:

• Preparing eyewear
• Custom-fitting and adjusting eyewear
• Enlightening customers on eyewear-related matters and maintenance
• Maintaining meticulous sales records
• Calculating insurance co-payments
• Overseeing inventory management
• Collaborating with lens-manufacturing labs to ensure precision and quality lenses.

Optician Training in South Dakota

Opticians practicing in South Dakota fall under the regulatory oversight of the South Dakota Board of Examiners in Optometry.

To start your career, you need to pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam.

You can also choose to take the National Contact Lens Examiner’s (NCLE) exam, further enhancing your qualifications.

When seeking employment, prospective opticians are often preferred by employers if they possess:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Completion of a training program or formal education, with a particularly view towards candidates with an associate’s degree diploma
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Reliability in executing responsibilities
• A clean criminal record

Opting for a nearby training program stands out as the most efficient route to complete your optician training.

In South Dakota, notable post-secondary institutions offering optician programs include:

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

This school offers a pre-med course.

While it’s not directly related to optometry, it gives you the basis for a unique approach when it comes to medicine.

The program prepares you for the academic path by allowing you to study topics such as maths, biology, and sciences.

Residents of the state, children of alumni, and those with SD Advantage can expect to pay around $21,100 per year as tuition.

Both of these schools not only provide optician programs but also offer a pre-optometry program, preparing students for a Doctorate in optometry.

However, your educational choices aren’t limited to in-state options.

The duration of an optician training program typically ranges from 7 months to 2 years.

To graduate, from most optometry schools, you have to:

• Possess of a high school diploma or GED
• Complete specific classes with a minimum grade of C
• Submit 2 letters of recommendation
• Present your OAT scores (not older than 5 years)
• Have am inimum GPA of 2.75

The training program comprises both theoretical and practical components.

Key subjects covered include:

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

Alternatively, on-the-job training is also a viable option post-hiring.

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in South Dakota

Upon reaching the juncture for licensing, several steps must be undertaken

Passing the next tests:

• Pass the NBEO exam, particularly Parts I, II, III, and the TMOD section.
• Clear the South Dakota Law and Ethics exam.

License Renewal

Renew the license every three years, involving the completion of 45 hours of continuing education.

National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE)

Undertake and pass the NOCE administered by the ABO, which comprises three levels:

• Beginner,
• Intermediate,
• Advanced.

The initial level involves skills such as reading prescriptions, fitting and dispensing spectacles, and using standard ophthalmic equipment.

The associated $200 fee is typically covered by the employer.

Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE)

To specialize as a lens dispenser, complete the CLRE.

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

The examination fee is usually borne by the employing company.

The document submission means providing the necessary documents, such as:

• Proof of age over 18,
• A high school diploma or GED,
• A completed application
• Fee payments
• A clean criminal record
• Passing the State Practical Examination
• Evidence of completed training, education, or a minimum of three years of experience.

Optician Certification Renewal

Renew both NOCE and CLRE credentials every three years, involving the completion of specified hours of continuing education.

Optician Salary in South Dakota

A good aspect of pursuing a career as an optician is the perpetual demand for this profession.

In South Dakota, the salary you can expect hinges on your geographic location.

For instance, in Sioux Falls, the average annual income for an optician is around $47,600.

Overall, in this state, opticians typically earn median salaries ranging from $41,400 to $53,800 annually, reflecting the field’s diverse opportunities and compensation levels.

Regional Salary in South Dakota

Optician Schools by State