§ OCCUPATION · GLOBAL STANDARDS

optician

Opticians help to improve and correct an individual's vision.

Description

Opticians help to improve and correct an individual's vision. They fit spectacle lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices according to the specifications of the individual. Their scope of practice varies according to national regulations and they might operate according to prescriptions provided by a specialised doctor in ophthalmology or an optometrist in the countries where requested.

Theoretical Knowledge

ESSENTIALTheoretical knowledge required

optical glass characteristics optical instruments quality standards of ophthalmic equipment health care legislation eye protection regulations

Practical Skills

ESSENTIALApplied skills & competences

verify lenses compliance comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice contribute to continuity of health care empathise with the healthcare user comply with optical prescriptions educate on the prevention of illness interact with healthcare users handle contact lenses sell optical products make referrals to ophthalmology operate cash register ensure client orientation achieve sales targets promote inclusion maintain relationship with suppliers prepare optical laboratory activities respond to changing situations in health care manage staff work in multidisciplinary health teams follow clinical guidelines manage healthcare users' data comply with legislation related to health care work in a multicultural environment in health care advise on contact lense maintenance apply numeracy skills use ophthalmic instruments monitor stock level fit low vision aids maintain relationship with customers repair lenses process payments dispense corrective lenses ensure safety of healthcare users deal with emergency care situations apply context specific clinical competences operate optical measuring equipment accept own accountability have computer literacy cut lenses for eyeglasses adjust eyeglasses maintain records of clients' prescriptions advise on healthcare users' informed consent apply organisational techniques listen actively use lensometer advise customers on eyewear maintenance adhere to organisational guidelines perform frames' repairs

OPTIONALOptional competences

use e-health and mobile health technologies inform policy makers on health-related challenges provide health education advise customers on optical instruments maintenance use foreign languages for health-related research use foreign languages in patient care develop a collaborative therapeutic relationship provide treatment strategies for challenges to human health

Data Source: Unified Global Standards (ISCED, ISCO, O*NET, ESCO)