Dispensing Opticians

Part-time or summer employment in an optical shop is an excellent way to gain insight into the skills needed to excel in this field. You can also explore opportunities in the field through discussions with professionals already working as dispensing opticians. Ask your school counselor to help arrange an information interview. Suggested interview questions include: What made you want to enter this career? What type of tools and equipment do you use to do your work? What do you like most and least about your job? How did you train for this field? What advice would you give to young people about preparing for the field and being successful on the job? How will advances in technology change the field? Perhaps you could even job-shadow a dispensing optician.

Consider joining HOSA-Future Health Professionals, a national membership organization for high school and college students who are interested in pursuing careers in health care. HOSA offers competitions for aspiring medical professionals. Learn more at https://hosa.org.

Finally, learn as much as you can about eyes and common eye conditions at the American Optometric Association's Web site, https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes, and other sources.