If you enjoy working with people and you are intrigued with how the eyes work, then you may want to consider checking out a career in the optical/eye field. This field is an exciting one to get involved in and no doubt you will find it to be an interesting and lucrative career. There are a variety of things that you must consider though, before deciding that this is a good career choice for your future. Some of the things you'll want to keep in mind include the education needed, the various jobs that are available within the field, what you can expect to be paid, and of course a few companies that offer great jobs in the optical/eye field.
The Education You'll Need
First of all, you are going to need to know what kind of education you need to have if you want a career in the optical/eye field. Believe it or not, there is not a huge amount of training involved in order to get involved in many of these jobs. Of course you are going to need to have a high school diploma, and many companies will require that you have some amount of college training in a field that is relevant. Some of the courses that will be valuable for you if you want to work in this field include algebra, anatomy of the eye, geometry, drawing, and physics.
There is on the job training offered as well, and many times you can start out as an apprentice to become an optician. Your training on the job will teach you about optical math you need to use, how to use the mechanical equipment, and a bit of optical physics as well. You will also learn how to relate and work with clients, which is extremely important. There are some states that do require that opticians be licensed. Some companies offer great programs for opticians and many of their programs last only a year or so. However, if you want to be an actual optometrist or an ophthalmologist, you will be required to have more training than just a simple apprenticeship.
What Jobs are Available?
There are quite a few different jobs to choose from when you get involved in the optical/eye field. You may want to get the extra training to actually become an ophthalmologist or an optometrist, which means you can set up your own practice or you can work for a specific company. Also, you may want to get a job working for a company under an optometrist. There are also jobs out there for ophthalmic laboratory technicians as well. You may be able to help customers choose frames or suitable contacts. Also, you may help to fit the frames or repair broken frames and lenses as well. Other jobs you may be doing include measuring the eyes of a client, using various tools to verify prescriptions, and recording a variety of important information.
Money Matters
The salary for people in the optical/eye field can vary quite greatly, depending on what specific job you have and the company you work for. However, most people in the field make at least $20,000 a year, and many of them earn closer to $25,000 or $30,000 a year. However, those who go on to be ophthalmologists or optometrists will earn quite a bit more. Usually they will earn anywhere from $60,000 to about $100,000 a year, depending on where they practice. However, some may make up to $160,00 a year as well.
A Few Companies to Take into Consideration
More than likely you are also interested in finding out what kind of companies hire people who have careers in this field. Well, there are a variety of them out there, and many of them have great salaries and benefits to offer you. A few great choices of companies to consider in the United States include Nationwide Vision Laser and Eye Centers, Eyes of Texas Vision, and Lens Crafters. There are also many great companies available in Canada that offer excellent jobs as well, including Pickering Optometric Clinic, Alberta Association of Optometrists, and Dr. Wayne G. Wheeler & Associates.
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