How to Become an Optician in Idaho

Are you intrigued by the prospect of pursuing a career as an optician in Idaho?

If your answer is yes, simply continue reading to delve into the details of the training process.

Optician Job Duties in Idaho

Opticians play a crucial role in ensuring individuals receive the eyewear they desire.

Within their work responsibilities, they engage in tasks including:

• Perfecting the fit and adjustment of eyewear
• Educating customers on eyewear concerns and upkeep
• Maintaining 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 for their clients.

Optician Training in Idaho

While Idaho does not impose specific educational prerequisites, certain post-secondary institutions in the state provide optician training programs.

Explore the list below to discover schools offering such programs in Idaho.

Before finalizing your decision on a school, be sure to review the enrollment criteria.

Applicants are typically required to submit the following:

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

Additionally, many schools incorporate a 120-hour externship into their programs.

Opticianry programs usually have a duration of no more than 7 months.

As a student, you will participate in various classes, including:

• Introduction to Optometry
• Ocular Anatomy
• Systems 1: Neuroscience
• Ocular Microbiology
• Ophthalmic Imaging
• Public Health Optometry
• Glaucoma
• Physics

Idaho State University 

Prospective students to optometry schools or colleges are required to meet specific prerequisites, typically including the completion of a Bachelor’s Degree.

The following courses serve as common prerequisites for optometry programs.

However, it is advisable to verify individual program requirements.

Consult a Pre-Health Advisor for assistance with course planning.

Prerequisite courses:

• General Biology I & II and Labs
• Microbiology and Lab
• Anatomy and Physiology I & II and Labs
• Biochemistry
• General Chemistry I & II and Labs
• Organic Chemistry I & II and Labs
• General Physics I & II and Labs
• College Algebra and Trigonometry
• Introduction to Statistics
• Calculus
• English Composition
• Introduction to Psychology

The average GPA of entering students may vary and should be checked with individual optometry programs.

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in Idaho

Certification is exclusively granted to individuals who have completed a designated training program.

In Idaho, the State Board of Dispensing Opticians oversees the licensing process and awards certifications.

This is done by meeting one of the requirements outlined below:

• Possession of a license in a reciprocal state
• Accumulation of at least 3 years of relevant experience
• Completion of a 3-year apprenticeship within the past 6 years
• Experience as an optician in a state without licensing requirements
• Graduation from an approved post-secondary optician program, coupled with a year of apprenticeship

Additionally, candidates are required to take the NOCE administered by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO).

The NOCE features different difficulty levels:

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced

The first 2 exams focus on spectacles and the third one is for those who want to work with contact lenses.

The beginner-level subjects include reading prescriptions, fitting and dispensing spectacles, and using standard ophthalmic equipment.

Typically, employers cover the approximately $200 exam fee.

If dispensing contact lenses is desired, candidates must undergo an additional exam, the National Contact Lens Examiners.

It mirrors the difficulty levels of the ABO test.

The Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE) is also mandatory, covering pre-fitting for lenses, diagnostic fitting, dispensing of lenses, patient education, delivery, and follow-up.

Employers usually bear the $200 test fee.

Both certification tests are available in English and Spanish.

Candidates must submit the following documents before sitting for the exams:

• Age over 18
• High school diploma or GED
• Completed application
• Payment of required fees
• Clean criminal record
• Successful completion of the State Practical Examination
• Proof of completed training, education, or a minimum of 3 years of experience

Optician Certification Renewal

In Idaho, opticians are required to undergo the renewal of their certification on an annual basis.

As part of the renewal process, individuals must complete an additional 12 hours of coursework.

Usually, the schools where opticians complete their training, also offer continuing education courses.

Optician Salary in Idaho

In Idaho, opticians can expect to earn an annual income ranging between $43,700 and $56,700.

However, actual earnings may vary based on factors such as location and level of experience.

Regional Salary in Idaho

Optician Schools by State