Opticians, Dispensing

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Measure clients' bridge and eye size, temple length, vertex distance, pupillary distance, and optical centers of eyes, using measuring devices.99
Verify that finished lenses are ground to specifications.97
Evaluate prescriptions in conjunction with clients' vocational and avocational visual requirements.95
Recommend specific lenses, lens coatings, and frames to suit client needs.95
Assist clients in selecting frames according to style and color, and ensure that frames are coordinated with facial and eye measurements and optical prescriptions.95
Maintain records of customer prescriptions, work orders, and payments.93
Heat, shape, or bend plastic or metal frames to adjust eyeglasses to fit clients, using pliers and hands.93
Show customers how to insert, remove, and care for their contact lenses.92
Determine clients' current lens prescriptions, when necessary, using lensometers or lens analyzers and clients' eyeglasses.91
Prepare work orders and instructions for grinding lenses and fabricating eyeglasses.91
Obtain a customer's previous record, or verify a prescription with the examining optometrist or ophthalmologist.89
Sell goods such as contact lenses, spectacles, sunglasses, and goods related to eyes, in general.89

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Fabricate lenses to meet prescription specifications.87
Perform administrative duties, such as tracking inventory and sales, submitting patient insurance information, and performing simple bookkeeping.86
Assemble eyeglasses by cutting and edging lenses, and fitting the lenses into frames.84
Instruct clients in how to wear and care for eyeglasses.82
Supervise the training of student opticians.81
Order and purchase frames and lenses.80
Grind lens edges, or apply coatings to lenses.71
Repair damaged frames.67
Arrange and maintain displays of optical merchandise.63

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening72
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension69
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking63
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation63
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Coordination56
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Persuasion56
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Social Perceptiveness56
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing56
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning50
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving50
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

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Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Instructing47
Teaching others how to do something.
Mathematics47
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Management of Personnel Resources44
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Negotiation44
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Learning Strategies41
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Quality Control Analysis41
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Monitoring38
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Systems Evaluation38
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Operation and Control35
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Selection28
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Operations Analysis28
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Systems Analysis28
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Management of Material Resources25
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Troubleshooting25
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Management of Financial Resources22
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Repairing22
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Technology Design22
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Science19
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Equipment Maintenance13
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Programming13
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Customer and Personal Service97
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Sales and Marketing81
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Mathematics73
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing71
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Administrative70
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
English Language67
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Administration and Management63
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Education and Training61
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Psychology55
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Law and Government52
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Computers and Electronics51
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Personnel and Human Resources50
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

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Communications and Media48
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Public Safety and Security48
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Economics and Accounting47
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Mechanical45
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Physics40
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Biology39
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Engineering and Technology38
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Medicine and Dentistry38
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Sociology and Anthropology36
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Telecommunications36
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Design35
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Foreign Language27
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Chemistry26
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Therapy and Counseling21
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Geography16
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Philosophy and Theology16
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Transportation15
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Fine Arts14
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Building and Construction13
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
History and Archeology12
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Food Production6
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Comprehension75
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Near Vision72
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Comprehension69
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning66
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem Sensitivity66
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Written Expression66
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Finger Dexterity60
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Information Ordering60
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Arm-Hand Steadiness53
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

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Category Flexibility53
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Control Precision50
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Manual Dexterity50
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Time Sharing50
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visual Color Discrimination50
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Far Vision47
The ability to see details at a distance.
Fluency of Ideas47
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Mathematical Reasoning47
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility47
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Originality47
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Visualization47
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Flexibility of Closure44
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Speed of Closure44
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Multilimb Coordination41
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Depth Perception38
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Memorization31
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Trunk Strength31
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Wrist-Finger Speed31
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Rate Control22
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time22
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation22
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Static Strength22
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Dynamic Strength19
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Extent Flexibility16
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength10
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public96
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Documenting/Recording Information93
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Selling or Influencing Others89
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Getting Information88
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards87
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems87
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge83
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Working with Computers83
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Assisting and Caring for Others79
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships79
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates77
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others76
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

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Performing Administrative Activities76
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Processing Information76
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization75
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Training and Teaching Others75
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events73
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Coaching and Developing Others72
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People72
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others72
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information70
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates70
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials70
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources70
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Analyzing Data or Information68
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work68
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others68
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Thinking Creatively67
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings66
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Developing and Building Teams62
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Handling and Moving Objects62
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Controlling Machines and Processes57
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Scheduling Work and Activities57
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others56
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing Objectives and Strategies52
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Staffing Organizational Units52
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment42
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Performing General Physical Activities37
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment37
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment36
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment18
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail92
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability74
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness69
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Cooperation68
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Social Orientation67
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Empathy61
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Sincerity54
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Integrity53
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Optimism44
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Self-Control44
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Self-Confidence42
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Achievement Orientation40
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

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Stress Tolerance33
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Adaptability32
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Perseverance30
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Initiative28
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Humility23
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Leadership Orientation20
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Intellectual Curiosity19
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Innovation17
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity4
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional74
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Realistic56
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Enterprising39
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social34
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Investigative21
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic7
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day100%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day100%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important88%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others83%
- Contact with others most of the time13%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important79%
- Very important21%
E-Mail
- Every day88%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)67%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)17%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)13%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom50%
- Some freedom42%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day71%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day79%
- Never21%
Time Pressure
- Every day35%
- Once a week or more but not every day43%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom25%
- Some freedom54%
- Limited freedom13%

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Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results50%
- Important results17%
- Moderate results17%
- Minor results13%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important42%
- Very important13%
- Important42%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important33%
- Very important33%
- Important21%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day50%
- Once a month or more but not every week33%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually38%
- More than half the time25%
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time13%
- Never13%
Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive21%
- Highly competitive25%
- Moderately competitive42%
- Slightly competitive13%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important26%
- Very important13%
- Important30%
- Fairly important22%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility25%
- High responsibility13%
- Moderate responsibility29%
- Limited responsibility33%
Spend Time Sitting
- More than half the time17%
- About half the time58%
- Less than half the time17%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility13%
- High responsibility33%
- Moderate responsibility17%
- Limited responsibility33%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- 40 hours96%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never13%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time13%
- About half the time67%
- Less than half the time21%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually13%
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time63%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day13%
- Once a week or more but not every day22%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never26%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated42%
- Slightly automated33%
- Not at all automated21%
Consequence of Error
- Serious25%
- Fairly serious29%
- Not serious at all33%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never38%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never48%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never61%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- About half the time23%
- Less than half the time59%
- Never18%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month46%
- Never38%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Never58%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Important13%
- Fairly important25%
- Not important at all50%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time42%
- Never38%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month38%
- Never54%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time61%
- Never39%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never79%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never79%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never83%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time13%
- Never83%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never83%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)96%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never88%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never92%
Exposed to High Places
- Never96%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never96%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never96%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never96%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Medical software
EMRlogic Systems ENTERPRISE Visions, First Insight MaximEyes, HealthLine Systems Eyecom, Specialist Data Solutions OctoPlus
Data base user interface and query software
Database software, EZ-Zone Optizone Enterprise
Accounting software
Intuit QuickBooks
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Inventory management software
Inventory management systems

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Measure the physical or physiological attributes of patients.
Fabricate medical devices.
Fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other vision aids.
Recommend types of assistive devices.
Evaluate treatment options to guide medical decisions.
Record patient medical histories.
Instruct patients in the use of assistive equipment.
Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.
Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Merchandise healthcare products or services.
Perform clerical work in medical settings.

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Gather medical information from patient histories.
Verify accuracy of patient information.
Process medical billing information.
Train medical providers.
Order medical supplies or equipment.
Repair medical or dental assistive devices.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Opthalmic Dispen Opt/Contact Lens
Optician Dispensing

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology