How to Become an Optician in Rhode Island

There are many reasons for someone to become an optician.

If you think this is the right path for you, make sure to learn more about the laws and regulations.

Take a look at the article below and you will get an idea of what it means to work as an optician in Rhode Island.

Optician Job Duties

Thriving in a consumer-driven society necessitates businesses to consistently attract and retain a steady stream of customers.

The pivotal role of a proficient optician becomes apparent in achieving this objective.

An adept optician not only excels in fostering customer loyalty but also exhibits a knack for attracting new clientele.

In addition to these relationship-building skills, this professional diligently executes a spectrum of daily tasks, including:

• Precision in eyeglass and contact lens fittings
• Assisting clients in selecting the perfect frame
• Maintaining meticulous inventory and sales records
• Expertly interpreting prescriptions
• Skillfully repairing damaged frames
• Ensuring precise adjustments for a comfortable eyeglass fit
• Monitoring and managing order fulfillment

These responsibilities, while not exhaustive, show the most common daily tasks you will have to complete.

It’s imperative to bear in mind that obtaining a specialized diploma is essential for dispensing contact lenses.

Optician Training in Rhode Island

Rhode Island boasts a singular institution providing education in optometry, and it’s no surprise given its island dimensions.

Borough of Manhattan Community College

While Hawaii may currently lack in-person optician training programs, the option to study online is available.

This community college provides a fully online course with flexible start dates and no specific enrollment requirements.

Students completing this course will be well-prepared for the ABO certification exam.

Topics covered include:

• The parts of the eye
• Refractive errors
• Strabismus and amblyopia
• Other common ocular conditions
• Prism basics
• Simple math and algebra
• Soft contact lenses
• Gas-permeable contact lenses
• Legal responsibilities and ethics

However, for those seeking a broader spectrum of educational choices, exploration beyond state lines or delving into online programs is a viable option.

Educational pursuits in this field vary in duration, ranging from short-term courses spanning a few months to comprehensive postgraduate programs spanning four years.

Prospective students eyeing these programs typically need to meet specific prerequisites upon enrollment.

These include:

• S high school diploma or GED
• Successful completion of designated classes with a minimum grade of C
• Submission of two letters of recommendation
• OAT scores (not older than 5 years)
• A minimum GPA of 2.75

The curriculum itself offers a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of the field, with courses such as:

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

Certification or Licensure for an Optician in Rhode Island

To obtain a license in Rhode Island, the Board mandates a series of requirements:

• Successful completion of a board-approved training program.
• Passing the ABO-NCLE certification exam.
• Successfully passing the Board-administered practical exam.

The ABO-NCLE certification exams are tiered into three levels of difficulty:

• Beginner,
• Intermediate,
• Advanced.

The ABO examination assesses competencies in:

• Reading prescriptions,
• Fitting and dispensing spectacles
• Using standard ophthalmic equipment

Passing this exam qualifies individuals to work with glasses, and upon successful completion of the NCLE exam, one can also work with contact lenses.

The combined cost for both exams amounts to $400, with the potential for employers to cover these fees.

Additional requirements may include providing documentation proving:

• Age over 18
• A high school diploma or GED
• To fill out an application
• To pay some fees
• A clean criminal record

Optician Certification Renewal

The ABO-NCLE certification necessitates renewal every three years, while the license issued by the Board remains valid for only two years.

Renewing these certifications requires a commitment to ongoing education.

Specifically, renewing the Board’s license mandates the completion of 12 hours of clinical continuing education, including a segment dedicated to management and marketing.

All courses for renewal must be approved by the Board.

Optician Salary in Rhode Island

Once you get certified, you should know where you can get your first job as an optician.

In the vibrant professional landscape of Rhode Island, aspiring opticians can anticipate an annual salary spectrum.

The entry-level income for opticians in the state starts at a base of $49,300 per year but can reach $64,000.

Look at the table below to find out more about salaries in this city.

Regional Salary in Rhode Island

Optician Schools by State