How to Become an Optician in Florida

Without opticians, people’s eyesight would decline fast, especially in older age.

Do you want to work as an optician in the state of Florida?

If so, check out this article to learn more about this profession!

Optician Job Duties in Florida

Opticians play a crucial role in providing tailored eyewear solutions that cater to the needs and preferences of their clients.

This involves executing various tasks such as:

• Crafting customized eyewear
• Perfecting the fit and adjustments of eyewear
• Enlightening customers on eyewear-related concerns and upkeep
• Maintaining detailed sales records
• Calculating insurance co-pays
• Managing inventory
• Collaborating with lens-manufacturing laboratories

It’s important to note that opticians do not conduct eye examinations or issue eyewear prescriptions.

Optician Training in Florida

In Florida, specific educational requirements for opticians are not mandatory.

Yet, various post-secondary institutions offer specialized training programs for aspiring opticians.

Hillsborough Community College

The program offered here has a duration of 6 semesters.

It is a hybrid program, with some of the classes offered only online.

Clinic and laboratory classes are also included.

Manatee Technical College

The duration of the program available here is about 10 weeks, in a full-time format.

It also includes 200 hours of clinical practice,

Upon graduation, students earn the AOA Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA) certification.

Classes start at 8 am.

The tuition is around $4195.60, but the final amount varies based on various factors.

William T McFatter Technical College

Depending on whether you’re a resident of Florida or not, you’ll have different tuitions to pay.

Resident students will pay around $3,000 while out-of-state students will pay a bit over $13,000.

However, there are some other fees you’ll need to cover, such as for the TABE test, supplies, and more.

The program lasts for 10 months, or 1,080 hours.

The classes are hybrid, full-time, and start at 8 am on weekdays.

Upon graduation, you’ll be eligible for the Paraoptometric Assistant certification.

Additionally, you also can earn credits towards other programs that award associate degrees.

Nova Southeastern University

This university offers a Doctorate Degree in Optometry.

Through this degree, you can also help patients rehabilitate their eyesight if needed or where possible.

Additionally, if you need to continue your education, this University also has classes designed for this purpose.

Before selecting a school, aspiring opticians should review the program requirements, which typically include:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Completion of specific classes with a minimum grade of C
• Submission of 2 letters of recommendation
• OAT scores (not older than 5 years)
• Minimum GPA of 2.75

Some schools incorporate a 120-hour externship as part of the training, and the duration of these programs generally spans around 7 months.

During the program, students delve into subjects such as:

• Introduction to Optometry,
• Ocular Anatomy,
• Neuroscience,
• Ocular Microbiology,
• Ophthalmic Imaging,
• Public Health Optometry,
• Glaucoma,
• Physics

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in Florida

Obtaining a license in Florida is exclusively reserved for individuals enrolled in a qualifying program.

The State Board of Dispensing Opticians oversees the licensure process and grants licenses to candidates meeting at least one of the following criteria:

• Holding a license in a reciprocal state
• Accumulating a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience
• Completing a 3-year apprenticeship within the past 6 years
• Working as an optician in a state with no licensing requirements
• Graduating from an approved post-secondary optician program along with a year of apprenticeship

To obtain licensure, candidates must pass the National Opticianry Competency Examination administered by the American Board of Opticianry.

The NOCE assesses proficiency in spectacle-related skills at three difficulty levels:

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

Beginner-level subjects include reading prescriptions, fitting and dispensing spectacles, and utilizing standard ophthalmic equipment.

Typically, employers cover the exam fee, which is around $200.

Individuals desiring to dispense contact lenses must pass an additional exam, the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) conducted by the National Contact Lens Examiners.

This exam, also with difficulty levels mirroring the ABO, requires a $200 fee usually covered by the employer.

The CLRE assesses competencies in pre-fitting for lenses, diagnostic fitting, lens dispensing, patient education, delivery, and follow-up.

These license exams are available in both English and Spanish.

Before taking the exams, candidates must submit necessary paperwork, including:

• Proof of age over 18
• A high school diploma or GED
• A completed application
• Requisite fees
• A clean criminal record
• Passing the State Practical Examination
• Evidence of completed training or a minimum of 3 years of experience.

Florida opticians are required to renew their licenses every three years, involving the completion of an additional 20 hours of education.

Optician Salary in Florida

In Florida, opticians can anticipate an annual salary ranging from $44,700 to $58,000.

Notably, residing in major urban centers such as Miami or Stuart increases the likelihood of securing a more lucrative salary.

Regional Salary in Florida

Optician Schools by State