Bill, my almost 40 years in cannot really argue with any of this. +1I enjoyed some of this and endured the rest. Let's see now, we better educate all future Opticians and who pays them more based on more education? Certainly not ANY eye doctor or retail chains or customers, you'll notice I didn't say patients. For the last 52, yes I said 52 years I have made a very good living doing what I do better than most and that is, selling and fitting eyeglasses to the public. I have changed how I market my wares at least 6 times and fined tuned it many more. I have opened 12 successful locations and employed many good Opticians. I was taught the basics and took it on myself to become the best I could be. I have observed many Opticians down through the years many good ones and some not so good.
My take on this is the same as it has always been. Until Opticians become INDEPENDENT retailers they will never attain the status or reach the economic levels they wish to attain. The trainig is only as good as the person getting it and let's face it some of them will never put forth the effort to become good. Here is the key to success, becoming an expert at Opticianary and it is more of a hands on job making and fitting eyeglasses, so train by doing it, drk has it right, next learn to MARKET, when opening a store DONOT feel you have to spend $100k on displays and EDGERS. Only STUPID people buy a $35k machine to edge a couple pair of lenses a day. People are looking for expert advice backed up by expert work and most of all a PRICE THEY CAN AFFORD. Take NO INSURANCE, I HAVE NEVER TAKEN A DIME OF INSURANCE and never will. Find a good location at a good price and drive a hard bargin with the landlord. I have joked many times that "I could open in a phone booth and make a good living". I may try it yet. I am afraid many of us spend too much time wishing we were something other than what we are, not what we should be, a skilled craftsman that fits and fabricates the most comfortable, attractive, accurate eyewear on God's green earth. Do this and you will succeed, I guarntee it.
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