TIPS ON DISPENSING

**Rockstargazer** · 05-05-2018, 05:01 PM

Without sounding like the old school optician (I am and admit proudly), therein lies the problem with lack of oversight of our profession. With so few states requiring a rigorous written and practical examination before licensing this is what you get.........

One of my greatest fears has been that I would die and not have been able to impart all my "old school" knowledge and wisdom to the next optical generation. I am fortunate that my son decided to make this his career and we both benefited from my teaching and coaching him. So I have a challenge for all the old school opticians out there..... Every day find a teachable moment and make it your priority to teach/coach that young(er) optician in your workplace. That is the only way our craft will survive into the next generation of optical professionals.

"It is easy to say "No", when there is a deeper "Yes" burning within." Stephen Covey

**rbaker** · 05-05-2018, 06:05 PM

The "craft" has changed. The "optician" has changed. The "business" has changed. Don't waste your time. Enjoy your retirement.

**Rockstargazer** · 05-05-2018, 09:22 PM

rbaker- I am a few years away from retirement, thank you. Can you elaborate on how you see the industry has changed? Frankly I'm not sure how to interpret your reply so I'll ask for clarification before I comment further.

**Scooby Snacks** · 05-06-2018, 08:54 AM

In my state (TX,) certification is not required. The ignorance that some opticians display is astounding. That's because most offices push high sales above all else. I resist this pressure from my bosses because I want the patient to be satisfied. I don't want the patient to get mad at me, feeling like they are being railroaded into buying add-ons they don't need or want. I am far from a perfect optician and not certified myself, but I have benefited a great deal from my experience as an optometric and ophthalmic technician. It helps me get the whole picture about what might be going on with patient beyond just the frame/lens component. Requiring certification would be very helpful, but most employers here do not reimburse us for testing, and it's too expensive for us to afford it without financial assistance. And many opticians are just not interested (although I am.)

**Chris Ryser** · 05-17-2018, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by Rockstargazer

Every day find a teachable moment and make it your priority to teach/coach that young(er) optician in your workplace. That is the only way our craft will survive into the next generation of optical professionals.

.........very noble and recommendable.

Originally Posted by rbaker

The "craft" has changed. The "optician" has changed. The "business" has changed. Don't waste your time. Enjoy your retirement.

........and Dick's statement is a fact that can not be changed, as history has been made by top ranking planning, and will be introduced at their own speed, after the big merger at the end of next month.

**Java99** · 05-17-2018, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Scooby Snacks

In my state (TX,) certification is not required. The ignorance that some opticians display is astounding. That's because most offices push high sales above all else. I resist this pressure from my bosses because I want the patient to be satisfied. I don't want the patient to get mad at me, feeling like they are being railroaded into buying add-ons they don't need or want. I am far from a perfect optician and not certified myself, but I have benefited a great deal from my experience as an optometric and ophthalmic technician. It helps me get the whole picture about what might be going on with patient beyond just the frame/lens component. Requiring certification would be very helpful, but most employers here do not reimburse us for testing, and it's too expensive for us to afford it without financial assistance. And many opticians are just not interested (although I am.)

Be an example of what's possible. Walk your talk and get certified. There are so many affordable study options out there!

**Chris Ryser** · 02-12-2019, 10:21 PM

Originally Posted by Java99

Be an example of what's possible. Walk your talk and get certified. There are so many affordable study options out there!

Superb advice .....................only a bit late in today's power game and play.

After close to 20 years of making changes to a 100 year old progressive system, without any effective objections from any source, the optical retail trade on the North American Continent has become the test market of the optical monopolis for their world domination.