How to Become an Optician in Tennessee

If you are looking to work as an optician in Tennessee, you should first have an idea of what you need to do.

Read on in order to learn more about the rules and regulations in this state.

This will help you get a clearer idea of the steps you need to take to become an optician in this state.

Optician Job Duties

An optician provides valuable advice to customers tailored to their unique eyewear needs and preferences.

A typical day in the life of an optician encompasses the following tasks:

• Crafting and preparing bespoke eyewear
• Ensuring precise fitting and adjustment of eyewear
• Enlightening customers on eyewear-related matters and maintenance nuances
• Meticulously maintaining sales records
• Skillfully determining insurance co-payments
• Overseeing the meticulous management of inventory
• Collaborating with lens-manufacturing labs to ensure the creation of high-quality lenses

However, an optician’s expertise does not extend to eye inspections or the prescription of eyewear.

An optician’s role revolves around providing personalized advice to customers, taking into account their specific needs and preferences.

Optician Training in Tennessee

In the state of Tennessee, prospective opticians can select from a few institutions to pursue their optician courses.

Let’s learn more about them!

Lipscomb University

At this university, students will enroll in a pre-optometry program.

Students have the chance of winning one of the 3 scholarships offered by this university.

The classes are small, so that teachers and students can get to connect better, and the education more efficient.

Job placements are also available to those who graduate.

Roane State Community College

Through this community college, you’ll be able to earn an AAS in Vision Care Technology.

The downside of this program is that you can’t be certain of how high the tuition is.

This is because it is decided by the Tennessee Board of Regents every year.

Additionally, books and other supplies are paid for, separately.

The program has a duration of 2 years.

Southern College of Optometry

The classes at this college are rather small, with a ratio of 9 students per 1 faculty member, in a year.

This is also why candidates are encouraged to apply early for a spot.

By the time students graduate, they will have seen about 2,500 patients, including during externships.

These institutions offer programs leading to various degrees, including an Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, and even a Doctorate.

It’s noteworthy that the tuition for lower-degree programs tends to be more budget-friendly compared to higher-degree programs.

For those seeking a broader range of course options, exploring schools in other states is a viable alternative.

Depending on the chosen diploma, the duration of study ranges from a minimum of 7 months to 4 years.

However, gaining admission to these programs is not a walk in the park.

Prospective students should be prepared to meet certain expectations, including:

• Possession of a high school diploma or GED
• Successful completion of specific classes with a minimum grade of C
• Submission of 2 letters of recommendation
• OAT scores (not older than 5 years)
• Maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.75

A glimpse into the curriculum reveals intriguing classes such as:

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

For those inclined towards a more hands-on approach, an apprenticeship lasting at least 3 years serves as an alternative to formal education.

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in Tennessee

The key assessments for future opticians include:

• NBEO, with a comprehensive focus on Parts I, II, III, and the TMOD section
• South Dakota Law and Ethics examination
• National Commission of State Opticianry Regulatory Boards (NCSORB) evaluation
• ABO-NCLE certification

The ABO-NCLE exams, available in both English and Spanish, are each priced at $200,

These present varying levels of difficulty, encompassing Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced tiers.

For the ABO exam, you need knowledge of:

• Reading prescriptions
• Fitting and dispensing spectacles
• Proficiency in using standard ophthalmic equipment

Meanwhile, the NCLE examination allows you to dispense contact lenses.

The topics that this exam covers include:

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

Optician Certification Renewal

Ensuring the currency of your ABO-NCLE credentials needs renewal every three years.

This should be coupled with the completion of specified hours of continuous education.

This will help you keep up with the current trends and advancements in the field.

Optician Salary in Tennessee

In Tennessee, opticians enjoy a median salary of approximately $48,800 annually.

While larger cities tend to offer higher incomes, it’s crucial to note that various factors contribute to these variations.

Have a look at the below table to see what are the cities where optician salaries are higher.

Regional Salary in Tennessee

Optician Schools by State