I thought this would be easy...

[ed_fowler]

Well, it's been an interesting couple of weeks!

My background is from the wholesale lab end of the business. My father founded and owned a wholesale lab when I was a kid. I learned about making glasses when I was very young (12 or 13 years old), and continued in the business for many years, eventually selling the family business and following other interests.

Recently, I decided it was time to go back to work (after several years of separation from the optical business). I heard of an optician position at an optometry practice close to my house, and applied for the job. I figured that with my lab experience I could breeze right in and be an optician in a few short days.....

Reality set in as soon as I sat down across the little table from the first patient! I didn't realize how much I didn't know! I have been humbled by the experience and have found a new respect for the profession.

I am learning, but I have a long way to go before I am a "real" Optician.

I appreciate this message board.... ed

[Fezz]

Welcome to Optiboard!

Ask any questions that you may have, this place is filled with talented, dedicated, bright professionals who are eager to help!

Then there is me-I don't fit the above. I just look pretty!


;):cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::D

[For-Life]

It will take time, but it is great that you are willing to learn

[ed_fowler]

thanks for the welcome and encouragement... ed

[gemstone]

Just don't consider the wholesale end unless you got about 2 million.

[ed_fowler]

gem,

you're referring to the cost of starting a new wholesale lab??

starting a lab could be scary at any price.

i have no intention of taking that one on, although a "basement" operation might be a possibility for a young(er) man...

what's your involvement in the industry?

ed

[rdcoach5]

Well, it's been an interesting couple of weeks!


Reality set in as soon as I sat down across the little table from the first patient! I didn't realize how much I didn't know! I have been humbled by the experience and have found a new respect for the profession.

I am learning, but I have a long way to go before I am a "real" Optician.

I appreciate this message board.... ed

Welcome to Optiboard!
We all are continuously learning and optiboard can be a real boost in that goal. For books on dispensing go to our education section on Optiboard or to just ask for help from the Optiboarders. The indispensable book always used to the one by Brooks and Borish, System for Ophthalmic Dispensing. as I remember, it contained little or nothing? on contact lenes and at one time I had Klein's book on Ophthalmic assistant which did have the basics on contacts. A word on caution on loaning books is that now I have neither book and the people I loaned them to deny they have them.
Oh well , there is plenty to learn that is not in books, also.
Bob Taylor