To become an optician in the US, you typically need a high school diploma and on-the-job training, though some states license opticians and may require an associate's degree or certificate in ophthalmic dispensing. In the UK, a dispensing optician must complete a General Optical Council approved degree or a Level 6 degree apprenticeship and register with the General Optical Council.
The US and UK routes into this job are very different, so the first thing to check is where you'll work. Here's what the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the National Careers Service said when I read them on 26 October 2026.
Optician requirements: US vs UK
| United States | United Kingdom (dispensing optician) | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | High school diploma or equivalent | 5 GCSEs including English, maths and science, plus 1 or 2 A levels including a science, for a degree |
| Training | On the job or apprenticeship; or a 2-year associate's degree or 1-year certificate | GOC approved degree plus ABDO qualifying exams, or a Level 6 degree apprenticeship of about 3 years |
| Licence | Required in some states | Registration with the General Optical Council |
| Certification | Eyeglass and contact lens dispensing certifications, each with its own exam | Professional qualifying exams by ABDO |
| Pay as of October 2026 | Median $47,260 a year (May 2025) | £28,000 starter to £40,000 experienced |
How to become an optician in the US
- Finish high school with maths and science classes, which BLS recommends.
- Choose a training route. Community colleges and technical schools offer a 2-year associate's degree or a 1-year certificate covering optics, eye physiology and lens dispensing, with supervised clinical work. Or train through an apprenticeship or on the job.
- Learn the hands-on skills. Trainees learn to measure the distance between a customer's pupils and to adjust frames.
- Check your state's licence rules. Some states require a licence, which usually means passing one or more exams after an approved program or supervised experience.
- Get certified. Employers may require or prefer certification in eyeglass dispensing and contact lens dispensing. Each specialty has its own exam.
- Keep up your continuing education. It's needed to maintain certification, and some states require it for licensure.
How to become a dispensing optician in the UK
The UK route is more academic. The National Careers Service says you must complete a degree course approved by the General Optical Council and pass the professional qualifying exams set by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). The alternative is a Dispensing Optician Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship with a commercial optician, which can take 3 years and needs 4 or 5 GCSEs and A levels. If you already work in a practice as an assistant or optical technician, you may be able to train through an apprenticeship or part-time degree, with your employer's support. Either way, you'll need to be registered with the General Optical Council.
Where the better optician pay sits
BLS put the median annual wage at $47,260 in May 2025, as of October 2026. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,610 and the highest 10% more than $76,750. The detail people miss is that optometrists' offices employ the most opticians but pay the least of the main employers:
| Employer (US, May 2025) | Share of jobs (%) | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Offices of optometrists | 43 | $45,320 |
| General merchandise retailers | 23 | $60,000 |
| Health and personal care retailers | 20 | $47,460 |
| Offices of physicians | 8 | $48,590 |
So the big general retailers pay a median of $60,000, well above the $45,320 in optometrists' offices. If pay matters to you, it's worth applying to store-based optical departments.
What an optician does
BLS lists the core duties. You'd:
- receive prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses from optometrists and ophthalmologists
- measure customers' eyes and faces, including the distance between their pupils
- help customers choose frames and lens treatments that suit their vision and lifestyle
- create work orders for the optical laboratory
- adjust, repair and replace eyewear
- show customers how to insert and remove contact lenses
The National Careers Service adds advising on safety glasses, sunglasses and screen glasses, and referring customers to an optometrist when they need more tests. Opticians work from a prescription rather than writing one. If examining eyes is the part you want, read my guide on how to become an optometrist, which is a longer route.
Where an optician career leads
The National Careers Service lists a clear progression for UK dispensing opticians. With experience, you could:
- supervise and mentor trainee opticians
- take extra training to work as a contact lens optician
- work in a hospital or teach at a university
- study to qualify as an optometrist
- move into optical sales for a lens manufacturer
- become self-employed and run your own business
Outlook and skills
BLS projects 4% growth from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average, with about 5,600 openings a year. Most opticians work full time, though part-time work is common and evenings and weekends come with retail hours. BLS lists business skills, communication, customer service and decision-making as key qualities, and some opticians run an optical store. If that's your plan, these ChatGPT prompts for opticians will help with marketing and customer emails.
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My verdict
In the US, becoming an optician is one of the quickest healthcare-adjacent careers to enter, especially in states without a licence. Check your state's rules before you pay for a course, and look at retail employers for better pay. In the UK, treat it as a degree-level profession: the GOC registration is non-negotiable, but the apprenticeship route lets you earn while you qualify.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to be an optician?
In some US states, yes. BLS says some states license opticians. In the UK, dispensing opticians must register with the General Optical Council.
How long does it take to become an optician?
In the US, programs award a 2-year associate's degree or a 1-year certificate, or you can train on the job. The UK Level 6 degree apprenticeship can take 3 years.
How much do opticians make?
As of October 2026, BLS gives a median of $47,260 a year (May 2025 data). The UK range is £28,000 to £40,000.
Can an optician become an optometrist?
Yes. The National Careers Service lists studying to qualify as an optometrist as one of the progression routes for dispensing opticians.
What is the difference between an optician and an optometrist?
Opticians fit and dispense glasses and contact lenses from a prescription. They refer customers to an optometrist for further vision tests.
