Finding a Career in Optics

Looking for a job when you have a college diploma is hard enough; looking for a job when you don’t have a degree can be even harder. There are some industries, however, where you can start out with a job and end out with a career. Optics is one of them as optometry has accessible training and career paths that can start at the practice level and lead to meaningful, long-term careers in optical labs, frame sales, pharmaceuticals, and even take you to an executive level. 

From the Office and Beyond

Let’s start where many begin their optical careers—at their local private optometry practice. This entry-level position involves populating patient records, confirming appointments and payments, and greeting patients when they first walk through the door. Here is where you can be exposed to just about everything in the eye care industry — from order entry in practice management software, to claim submissions, and insurance billing. Understanding the business side of optometry gives you a huge advantage as you work your way up through the industry.

From Customer Service to Product Manager

Part of working entry level jobs in optometry is submitting jobs to optical labs and then following up on those orders to ensure patients stay happy. ECPs can apply for (or be recruited to) optical labs because of the relationships they build and soon find themselves performing similar duties but on the opposite side—following up on orders and contacting practices with concerns and shipments. Ask anyone who’s worked customer service in a lab, and they’ll tell you it’s tough work; however, they’ll also say it gives you an operational understanding and a valuable skill set in lab management software and how eyewear is made from start to finish. These are not just customer service people but problem solvers, and many of these folks go on to achieve their ABO certification.

Another logical step in the career ladder is a product manager for manufacturers of lenses, enhancements, and frames. As a product manager, you will help to develop lens products by analyzing markets, generating product specification and deliverables, pricing, and other critical plans for market success. From here, the road can take you to many other careers paths.

Fashion and Function

If you like the fashion side of eye care, think about frames sales. You already have an in with frame companies and that relationship can turn into a new career. If you’re more mechanically inclined, think about the optometry equipment sales and repair from companies that make phoropters, slit lamps, retinal cameras, and tonometers — equipment that is critical to an office and equipment you are already familiar with.

Going Beyond Optometry

Your experience in optometry can go beyond there. The relationships you build with companies who come into your office to show you the latest developments in treatments for conditions and disease prevention is another avenue to explore. Experience in this area can lead to a job at on-site optometry clinics and optical shops at major companies who need people experienced in healthcare.

From front office to a lab, to sales and even leadership, optics offers limitless possibilities if you keep your mind and ears open and follow the path that’s right for you. Eye care is a dynamic industry that can take you to many places in your career if you build upon relationships and network. Find what interests you and if an opportunity comes around, take it!

Written by M.A. Giorgio