Working as a Dispensing Optician in the USA

[t_appletart]

Hi there everyone..

I am new to these boards, so please bare with me, as the question may have been covered already, and I am unaware how to find out.

I am a fully qualified British Dispensing Optician, having worked for the biggest Optical chain in the UK for 9 years, but not all those years, have I been fully qualified.

Having toured the states on vacation this summer, I have been pondering the idea of moving 'across the pond', and ideally, looking at Mississippi, but know very little how my qualifications work there, and how I would go about finding work, as obviously with the Green Card situation, would need something lined up before I can apply for one.

I am aware that there are some exams that some states require me sitting some exams, and possible apprenticeships? Does anyone have any idea on the common practice in this particular state?

Also, and I'm sure this is another tricky question, what kind of pay would a Dispensing Optician in this area being looking at approximately?

Thanks in advance,

Tim.

[rbaker]

First things first. Pay a visit to the American Embassy and get started on the paperwork to allow you to be legally employed in the US. Don't hold your breath. My understanding is that it takes about the same amount of time as it does for a US citizen to get working papers in England.

[cocoisland58]

Wherever you go make sure you ask for a nice commission package. American's will buy just about anything when it's offered up with a British accent.

[OPTIQ2010]

Tim,
Shoot me a good email directly to you, i think I can be of some assistance....

Clint.

[optilady1]

Wherever you go make sure you ask for a nice commission package. American's will buy just about anything when it's offered up with a British accent.

i concure

[t_appletart]

Tim,
Shoot me a good email directly to you, i think I can be of some assistance....

Clint.

have sent PM, as cant find email address

[musicvirtuoso]

If you can find a company to sponsor a visa for you, this may be the best (and quickest) way to get here. Some large companies do sponsor visas, but you have to convey to them why they should (ie: why they should hire you as opposed to an American). Depending on the type of visa you acquire, you can begin working towards residency (green card) or citizenship (but thats many years down the line). Just out of curiosity... why Mississippi? (compensation will vary depending on the area; after all, it's a lot more expensive to live in DC or NY than say, Lubbock, TX)

[t_appletart]

Just out of curiosity... why Mississippi?

The sole reason for Mississippi is that I have a friend there... so if am moving to the states, would be nice to have a friendly face

[Serrata]

Since Mississippi is where you wanted to be, it will depend on where in the state. You could try an optical lab based in Mississippi called Superior Vision. I don't know a great deal about them other than they supply glasses to VA centers in various states. You could used them as a base to get started till you can get settled and make you next move.

Best of luck.
Serrata

[OPTIQ2010]

Sorry for Delay
Here is my email> cb2usa@gmail.com
Looks like you got a few tips... on your future plans for the USA...
If you are still looking for more info, then you have my email, above.
Clint.

[Senorwes1]

Different states have different requirements for working as an Optician here in the US. However, Mississippi does not require any exam, education, or certification/license to work as an Optician, so the pay there will likely be lower than a state where a license is required. I would recommend looking into getting your national certifications from the ABO and NCLE, the more credentials you have, the better the pay. Check out their website: www.abo-ncle.org

[t_appletart]

Thanks for your help everyone.