Everyone should have their eyes examined at least every few years for those without vision issues. An optician is the usual person who examines your eyes and prescribes corrective lenses. This is a great career opportunity for those wanting to have their own professional business.
Education
After completing high school or obtaining a GED, you can enroll in a training program. The programs are often only one to two years long and require some lab time. Many students prefer to spend time in an internship prior to launching their own optical shop franchise. By studying with an experienced optician, they can ask questions and have a greater understanding of the business prior to launching their own.
License
Before you can start your own business, you need to see what licensing requirements the state you operate in has for opticians. Many states have a written and practical exam that must be passed prior to working. Upon passing the exam, you are licensed to work.
Certification
Many patients only want to see a certified optician. The American Board of Opticianry & National Contact Lens Examiners provides certifications. The ABO-NCLE requires you pass a series of exams and awards three levels of certification. You can also take continuing education courses and exams to stay current with your certification. In fact, taking the certification course and passing it can help you obtain your license without extra steps taken.
Business
You can choose to go work for a company, yourself or open a franchise. The benefits of working for yourself include setting your own hours and maintaining control over how the business operates. A franchise allows you to have your own business while benefiting from the marketing and business help of a large network. You can have all the paperwork and network of insurance providers to work with when you open your doors. Each franchise is different, so look into the fine print to see what you need to get started.