Summary
Roles of the optician
An important advice phase:
The optician-lunetier receives the people sent by the ophthalmologistto deliver them glasses.
He informs the customer about the choice of his equipment:
- glasses ;
- anti-reflective lenses;
- progressive lenses or not;
- contact lenses, disposable or non-disposable.
He must then listen to his customers, to advise them as well as possible on the type of lenses, or on the different choices of frames:
- brands;
- forms;
- colors…
For this, he must be at least attracted to fashion and aesthetics.
Technical phases:
When a customer enters the store, the optician-lunetier carries out the medical prescription. It determines the type of compensation needed through assessment tests.
After the client’s choice, the optician:
- mount the glasses;
- adjusts the temples of the glasses;
- measures the frames in his workshop;
- or adapt contact lenses.
The workshop is often located in the back of the shop, where the after-sales service is finally provided.
Working conditions of an optician
Various forms of exploitation:
There are several forms of fund operation such as sole proprietorships or general partnerships.
The optician-lunetier can also work in the hospital sector, but this is rarer.
In shops:
In the private sector, the optician-lunetier is a company manager, or more often an employee.
Like any merchant, the optician-lunetier is a manager. It is subject to the same conditions as all merchants:
- schedule ;
- Opening days…
How much does an optician earn?
At the start of their career, the optician is often salaried and earns an average of €1,650 gross per month. The manager can earn between €3,000 and €6,000.
Training to become an optician
From high school:
To become an optician-eyewear maker, it is advisable to pass:
- an S tray;
- an STI baccalaureate specializing in optical engineering;
- or an STL baccalaureate in laboratory physics and industrial processes, optics and physico-chemistry option.
After high school, the BTS optician-lunetier:
The optician-lunetier superior technician certificate is mandatory to practice and open an optical store. It can be prepared in two years, but it can be supplemented by a professional qualification certificate (in 1 year) commercial or technical (optometry).
Or at the university:
- a professional optical license;
- a Masters in Biology and Health, Professional Specialty in Vision Sciences;
- a Professional Master’s degree in Signalling, Neurosciences, Specialization in Vision Sciences.
Qualifications needed to become an optician
Have scientific skills:
The optician-lunetier is not only a trader:
- he advises ;
- makes certain frames;
- and adapt correction articles.
This requires being attracted to science, gifted in math and calculation. And above all to be meticulous.
Have a certain sense of aesthetics:
From optician to make-up artist, there is only one step. These two jobs require the same skills.
The optician-lunetier must take into account the tastes and expectations of the client. He must also be frank with them, receptive and caring. He needs to take a minimum interest in fashion to offer up-to-date collections.
Have easy contact:
The character commercial of the optician-lunetier is very important. If he is attentive, patient and gives good advice, he probably has a better chance of doing business. Especially since it also sells complementary products:
- sunglasses ;
- cases;
- cleaning products…
Content updated on 06/06/2012
Our tips:
There is no shortage of work for opticians: sight problems concern half of the French people.