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Do you want to learn how to become a licensed optician in the state of Texas?
While there are certain criteria you must meet, the path is easier than you might think.
Check out this guide that will show you what the process entails.
Article Table of Contents
Optician Job Duties
Opticians offer guidance on selecting the perfect eyewear for their customers, although they do not issue prescriptions for eyeglasses.
In the role of an optician, responsibilities include:
- 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 Texas
Embarking on a training journey becomes remarkably convenient when you opt for a program situated in your area.
St Philip’s College 
At this college, students will earn a degree in vision care technology.
By the end of the program, students will know about both Ophthalmology and Optometry.
They will also be prepared to take the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) exam.
Through this test, candidates will prove their knowledge in 19 areas.
San Jacinto College 
San Jacinto offers a few types of training programs for future optometrists and not only.
The various courses open the path to many careers in the ophthalmic field.
One program is the Associate of Applied Science degree which has a duration of 2 years and 60 credits to accumulate.
There are also 2 programs with a duration of 1 year.
One of them awards a certificate and 29 credits.
The second one awards a certificate and 16 credits.
Tyler Junior College 
Those opting for Tyler Junior College enroll in the Ophthalmic Medical Assistant training program.
This program takes place over 2 semesters.
Students will attend their practicum hours during the summer.
The classes can be attended only in person.
University of Houston 
The University of Houston offers doctorate and graduate degree programs and even offers the possibility of completing your residency here.
The Doctor of Optometry has a duration of 4 years.
Through this program, students accumulate 177 semester credit hours.
Through the graduate degree programs, you can earn an M.S. and/or Ph.D. degree diploma.
These degrees are in Physiological Optics and Vision Science and you need a B.S. degree (or the equivalent) first.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| St Philip’s College | 1801 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, Texas 78203-2098 |
| University of Houston | 212 E. Cullen Building, Houston, Texas 77204-2018 |
| Tyler Junior College | 1327 S Baxter Ave, Tyler, TX 75701 |
| San Jacinto College | 8060 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505 |
Moreover, the Board accepts certain online programs for individuals facing challenges attending in-person classes.
To meet program requirements, aspiring opticians typically need:
- 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 2.7
The comprehensive curriculum encompasses both theoretical and practical components, covering subjects 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 Texas
Successfully navigating the optician licensing process in Texas involves a series of steps.
Completion of an Approved Training Program
Graduating from an accredited training program in the United States or Canada is the initial requirement.
National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) Four-Part Exam
Aspiring opticians must pass all four parts of the NBEO, a crucial step in demonstrating comprehensive knowledge and competency.
State Law Exam
A significant component of the licensing process is passing the state law exam, administered by the NBEO six times annually.
National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) through the ABO
Students are also required to complete the NOCE, which consists of three levels:
- Beginner,
- Intermediate
- Advanced.
The Beginner level encompasses tasks like reading prescriptions, fitting and dispensing spectacles, and using standard ophthalmic equipment.
Employers typically cover the $200 fee for this level.
Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) for Lens Dispensers
Individuals seeking positions as lens dispensers must take the CLRE, covering topics such as pre-fitting for lenses, diagnostic fitting, lens dispensing, patient education, delivery, and follow-up.
Required Documentation:
- To sit for these exams, candidates need to submit the following documents:
- Proof of age over 18
- High school diploma or GED
- Completed application
- Payment of relevant fees
- A clean criminal record
The Texas Board also acknowledges formal training received in Canada, subject to specific conditions.
Optician Certification Renewal
Opticians in Texas must renew their licenses every year, with the renewal deadline set before January 1st.
This process involves completing 16 additional hours of education to stay current in the field.
Optician Salary in Texas
In Texas, the median salary for this profession is around $52,200 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Houston | $54,000 |
| Fresno | $53,800 |
| Trinity | $53,600 |
| Webster | $53,600 |
| Dallas | $52,700 |
| Wylie | $52,700 |
| Sunnyvale | $52,600 |
| Wilmer | $52,600 |
| Ace | $51,000 |
| El Paso | $46,400 |
Regional Salary in Texas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo, TX | 90 | $33,650 | $16.18 | $39,410 | $28,250 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | 620 | $38,660 | $18.59 | $47,570 | $30,100 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | 120 | $36,980 | $17.78 | $44,820 | $29,170 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | 60 | $32,600 | $15.68 | $40,810 | $24,420 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | 60 | $35,850 | $17.24 | $46,710 | $29,130 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 180 | $36,070 | $17.34 | $43,960 | $28,720 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 1,780 | $38,890 | $18.7 | $52,000 | $28,870 |
| El Paso, TX | 110 | $33,490 | $16.1 | $43,170 | $24,390 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | 1,470 | $34,320 | $16.5 | $43,390 | $27,050 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | 70 | $36,030 | $17.32 | $46,430 | $29,370 |
| Laredo, TX | 30 | $30,800 | $14.81 | $36,250 | $20,970 |
| Longview, TX | 50 | $33,550 | $16.13 | $43,460 | $24,750 |
| Lubbock, TX | 90 | $35,060 | $16.85 | $44,530 | $28,320 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 140 | $32,400 | $15.58 | $40,930 | $26,350 |
| Midland, TX | 40 | $38,420 | $18.47 | $52,550 | $30,350 |
| Odessa, TX | 40 | $41,060 | $19.74 | $52,250 | $29,370 |
| San Angelo, TX | 30 | $31,450 | $15.12 | $36,090 | $26,200 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 520 | $37,250 | $17.91 | $47,390 | $28,690 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | 30 | $36,290 | $17.45 | $47,000 | $28,080 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | 30 | $30,810 | $14.81 | $36,500 | $26,610 |
| Tyler, TX | 50 | $35,360 | $17 | $45,960 | $28,710 |
| Victoria, TX | 30 | $33,220 | $15.97 | $37,470 | $29,270 |
| Waco, TX | 40 | $32,040 | $15.4 | $40,470 | $22,340 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | 40 | $32,000 | $15.38 | $42,440 | $23,590 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the skills needed by an optician in Texas?
Opticians have the following abilities:
- Attention to details
- Good communication skills
- Adaptable to new situations
- Business skills
- Physical stamina
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks
How can I stay updated on changes to the regulations regarding opticians in Texas?
Many organizations change their rules and regulations.
Here are some institutions that can help you stay up-to-date with changes in the industry:
- Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
- Certified Opticians Association of Texas
- National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO)
- Texas Department of State Health Services
- Texas Ophthalmological Association
- Texas Optometric Association
- Texas Optometry Board
Where can I find work as an optician in Texas?
Once your optician license is granted, a multitude of work opportunities opens up across various settings, including:
- Retail stores
- Offices
- Optometry practices
- Hospitals
- Clinics
Read the full guide: How to Become an Optician
Optician Schools by State