Results 1 to 13 of 13

Thread: Define the terms "Optician" and "Opticianry"

  1. #1
    sub specie aeternitatis Pete Hanlin's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Hickory Creek, TX
    Occupation
    Lens Manufacturer
    Posts
    4,964

    Question

    In another string, Judy asked us to provide a definition for "Optician." That particular string managed to get away from that noble end, so perhaps we can work on a definition here.

    IMHO, Optician is defined as:
    • <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>1. A professional trained in the science of Ophthalmic Optics </FONT>
    • <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>2. A person who fits and dispenses eyeglass frames, prescription eyeglass lenses, and/or contact lenses.</FONT>


    In general, Opticianry could be defined as:
    <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>The science of Ophthalmic Optics, including the fabrication, fitting, and dispensing of prescription eyewear and contact lenses.</FONT>

    I realize that these definitions are simplistic and do not address issues like refraction and so on... So, I look forward to what y'all come up with.

    Pete

  2. #2
    Master OptiBoarder Joann Raytar's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    USA
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    4,948

    Post

    From the NFOS website:
    http://www.nfos.org/degree/optician_definition.html

    Optician

    Opticianry is defined as "the art and science of optics as applied to the compounding, filling and adapting of ophthalmic prescriptions, products and accessories."

    An optician must be able to:

    · interview, observe and analyze
    · interpret, counsel
    · order, dispense and document
    · supervise, improvise and empathize
    · communicate
    · get along with people

    Opticians can be described as either dispensing or laboratory. Each has their own responsibilities.

    Dispensing Optician

    The dispensing optician interprets the doctor's written prescription and assists the customer in the selection of lenses and frames. She also takes facial measurements and determines correct frame sizes, delivers completed eyewear to the patient, fits it to the patient & advises the patient on proper use & care of the glasses. The dispensing optician must possess a broad knowledge of optics and spectacle fabrication procedures.

    The starting salary of a licensed dispensing optician may $23,000 to $27,000, depending on experience and location.

    The education required depends on the state

    Laboratory Optician

    The laboratory optician interprets the Rx, specifies (lens and frame) stock selection, formulates lens specifications
    and performs all technical functions in the making of eyewear. The laboratory optician, also sometimes called a mechanical optician, has little contact with the public usually. He still needs to possess the managerial skills and communication skills of a dispensing optician, however. He needs to be able to supervise the people working for him as well as communicate effectively with the personnel on the sales floor and in the wholesale laboratories.

  3. #3
    Bad address email on file John R's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Yorkshire, U.K.
    Occupation
    Consumer or Non-Eyecare field
    Posts
    3,189
    Nice distinction between sex's there Jo "he" works in the lab "she" works on the shop floor.


    ------------------
    Every day a grind
    Every week a bind
    www.iooi.co.uk

  4. #4
    Sawptician PAkev's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2000
    Location
    Lake Winola, Pennsylvania
    Occupation
    Other Eyecare-Related Field
    Posts
    906

    Post

    The following definition is per my 10/07/2000 posting:

    What do people think an optician is?
    What qualities should they demonstrate?

    Despite the piece of paper hanging on our walls, I picked out a few qualities which should be understood and exhibited by an optician.

    Education:
    Opticians uderstand human physiology with a concentration in optical physics and eye anatomy and physiology. They clearly understand vision disorders and refractive correction. Opticians also demonstrate knowledge of eye related conditions, problems and diseases with an understanding of effective treatments.

    Responisibilities:
    Opticians are responsible to inform their clients of the most appropriate products which will meet their specific optical needs.
    This includes explaining features, advantages, and disadvantages of products.
    Opticians understand and identify substandard quality which will impede consumers eyewear function and performance.

    Abilities:
    Opticians demonstrate their ability to understand the function of a clients eyewear. They must also understand and demonstrate their ability to properly fit, manufacture, dispense, and service their client's eyewear.
    They effectively demonstrate problem solving skills to maintain optimum eyewear performance.

    Professionalism:
    Opticians communicate the warrants of their merit to consumers in a manner which develops and maintains confidence and respect to the optical industry.


    Kevin

  5. #5
    Banned
    Join Date
    Jun 2000
    Location
    Only City in the World built over a Volcano
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    12,996

    Post

    You won't like this but the definition of an optician is: "Anyone who has anything to do with the sale, distribution or manufacture of optical products."

    Another term: "Dispensing Optician" is probably what you are seeing a definition of.

    Chip (Old enough to remember when we were not "technicians) Anderson

  6. #6
    Master OptiBoarder Joann Raytar's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    USA
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    4,948

    Post

    Originally posted by john r:
    Nice distinction between sex's there Jo "he" works in the lab "she" works on the shop floor.

    Back off John. The definitions were quoted from the NFOS website. You just have to make everything about you, don't you.


    [This message has been edited by Jo (edited 03-26-2001).]

  7. #7
    Master OptiBoarder BobV's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2000
    Location
    Blue Springs, MO USA
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    488

    Post

    According to the "dictionary of Eye Terminology" 2nd edition by Cassin and Solomon:

    optician: dispensing optician, ophthalmic dispenser:

    "Vision care specialist. Professional who makes and adjusts optical aids, e.g., eyeglass lenses and frames, from refraction prescriptions supplied by an ophthalmologist or optometrist."

    Bob V.

  8. #8
    Master OptiBoarder Darryl Meister's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Kansas City, Kansas, United States
    Occupation
    Lens Manufacturer
    Posts
    3,700

    Post

    I keep seeing the words "ophthalmic" and "eyeglass" in these definitions... The term "optician" can be applied to a person who sells or fabricates any kind of optical lenses (e.g., telescopes) -- not just spectacle lenses.

    Best regards,
    Darryl

  9. #9
    Bad address email on file John R's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Yorkshire, U.K.
    Occupation
    Consumer or Non-Eyecare field
    Posts
    3,189

    Thumbs down

    Originally posted by Jo:
    Back off John. The definitions were quoted from the NFOS website. You just have to make everything about you, don't you.


    Yea i noticed that bit about NFOS, interesting how an org like them carries the tags "He & She" like it does. There is no reason that a "She" cant run a lab or a "HE" cant sell to the public is there.
    Nothing personal at all there Jo. :D


    ------------------
    Every day a grind
    Every week a bind
    www.iooi.co.uk

  10. #10
    Master OptiBoarder Joann Raytar's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    USA
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    4,948
    John,

    At this point, considering our recent topics, don't you even start with the he/she thing again; that's all we need.

  11. #11
    Bad address email on file John R's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Yorkshire, U.K.
    Occupation
    Consumer or Non-Eyecare field
    Posts
    3,189

    Thumbs up

    Sorry must have missed the other posts :D
    but subject droped..
    Just like that dammed expensive lens that we only had one off.... opps

    ------------------
    Every day a grind
    Every week a bind
    www.iooi.co.uk

  12. #12
    sub specie aeternitatis Pete Hanlin's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2000
    Location
    Hickory Creek, TX
    Occupation
    Lens Manufacturer
    Posts
    4,964

    Post

    From Darryl and PAKev's postings, it looks like any definition of "Optician" is going to need either a.) multiple definitions, or b.) multiple terms to be comprehensive.

    I personally don't feel like we need a bunch of additional terms- but trying to lump all the possible "types" of positions that fall under the guise of Opticianry could get a bit lengthy...

    Since Judy "started" the whole discussion, I'd be interested in hearing her suggestions. Judy?

    As for my definition, given the postings so far, I guess I'd have to expand my definition of optician to something more like:

    Optician
    <FONT COLOR=#0000FF>1. An individual trained in the science of Ophthalmic Optics
    2. An individual engaged in the creation of or selling of optical related devices and instruments
    3. An individual educated in the properties of light and optical mediums</FONT>

    Some of the longer "definitions" provided by the associations look more like job descriptions than definitions to me. You don't define what a cat is by detailing all the things cats do.

    If we're after a common description of our services to present to the public, I think trying to find a definition is the wrong way to go. After all, definitions tend to be, well, boring. I think we need something more along the lines of "Milk, it does a body good," or "Behold the power of cheese." I don't know how to do that with optics... maybe we should all be working of a "sales phrase" for our profession.

    Pete

  13. #13
    Master OptiBoarder BobV's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2000
    Location
    Blue Springs, MO USA
    Occupation
    Dispensing Optician
    Posts
    488

    Post

    Pete, I'm not a military man, but is the Armythe branch that has "Be all that you can be" ? Well, let's change that to "See all that you can see."

    Bob V

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •