The tasks of the optician deal with everything to do with the good vision of his customers. The optician fits and sells glasses and contact lenses. He is also responsible for the adjustment of magnifying visual aids, which should enable people to see and read despite poor visual acuity. It is also the task of the optician to inform and instruct the customer about the care and handling of, for example, contact lenses.
Personal requirements
In order to be able to successfully practice the profession of optician, you should above all have a sense for fashion when choosing the right glasses frame that perfectly suits the face shape of the customer. Likewise, the prospective optician should inform the customer well about the products on offer and be able to respond to the wishes and needs of the customer. Friendliness and patience are also part of the personal requirements of an optician.
Prerequisites for learning the profession
In order to be able to learn the profession of optician, no specific school education is required. Nevertheless, most companies hire trainees who have attained secondary school.
Training
The training to become an optician takes place on the one hand in the company and on the other hand in a vocational school. In the company, the trainee is taught all the practical work steps of an optician. From fitting a pair of glasses to manufacturing. The trainees are also taught how to accept complaints, assess damage and repair it. The theoretical background is then conveyed to the trainee at the vocational school. The training to become an optician lasts 3 years and concludes with a written, a (possibly) oral and a practical examination, the so-called journeyman's examination. The exam is taken in front of the Chamber of Crafts.
career development opportunities
After successful training as an optician, you have the option of starting your own optician's business or getting a job in a company. There is also the option of pursuing a degree if you have a higher education entrance qualification. Furthermore, further education and training courses are offered again and again, which enable the optician to stay up to date with the latest scientific knowledge and then to let his customers benefit from this specialist knowledge. In addition, opticians have the opportunity to complete advanced training in order to then work in a managerial position.
locations
Opticians mainly work in optician shops. However, employment in an eye clinic is also possible in order to look after the patients directly on site. There are also some opticians who make their services available to established ophthalmologist practices a few days a month, for example to adjust magnifying vision aids. In addition, opticians also have the opportunity to go into the teaching area.
Everyday life of the optician
The everyday life of the optician consists primarily of advising and supporting his customers. Which glasses are the right ones from a fashion point of view and also offer the customer optimal vision? The training of customers in the handling of contact lenses is also an important part, as is the implementation and assessment of eye tests. Here the required glasses strength is determined and the customer is informed about his options (glasses or contact lenses?).
salary in training
The training allowance is as follows: 1st year of apprenticeship: 280-500 euros 2nd year of apprenticeship: 332-560 euros 3rd year of apprenticeship: 435-670 euros
