optician

optician filler of prescriptions for and dispenser of corrective lenses. An optician may grind lenses as instructed by the prescription of an optometrist (see optometry ) or ophthalmologist (see ophthalmology ) or transcribe the instructions for laboratory mechanics. The optician also fits and adjusts the lenses to the client and makes suggestions as to the selection of frames. Increasingly, opticians have taken over the task of fitting contact lenses as well as eyeglasses . Some states require that lab technicians and retail merchandisers be licensed opticians. Requirements may be met through academic training or through a laboratory apprenticeship.

optician A person who makes or deals in optical instruments, including spectacles. A dispensing optician makes up and dispenses spectacles and other corrective lenses. An ophthalmic optician measures several aspects of vision, in particular the refractive power of the eyes, and provides spectacles with lenses to correct refractive errors. The word ‘optician’ is becoming obsolete, being replaced by the American term, optometrist.

Peter Fells

optician (op-tish-ăn) n. a person who either makes and fits glasses (dispensing o.) or who can both test people for glasses and dispense glasses (ophthalmic o. or optometrist).