Dispensing opticians held about 75,200 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most dispensing opticians were as follows:
Offices of optometrists
38%
Health and personal care stores
31
Offices of physicians
10
Department stores
3
About half of opticians worked in offices of optometrists or offices of physicians in 2014. Other opticians worked in stores that sell eyeglasses, contact lenses, visual aids, and other optical goods. These stores may be stand-alone businesses or parts of larger retail establishments, such as department stores.
Opticians who work as part of a group optometry or medical practice work with optometrists and ophthalmologists to provide eye-related medical care to patients. For more information on ophthalmologists, see the profile on physicians and surgeons.
Work Schedules
Opticians who work in large retail establishments, such as department stores, may have to work evenings and weekends. Most opticians work full time, although part-time opportunities also are available.
