Optician

Opticians are opticians on the making and customizing visual aids - are specialized as well as the incorporation of the lenses in eyeglass frames - usually glasses and contact lenses. It also incorporates a professional practice conducting vision screenings, the measurement of the dioptric apparatus of the eye, the determination and correction of optical refractive errors, as well as advice and customer support in the choice of the frame and glass types. The exploratory examination of some functions of binocular vision are part of the power spectrum. Nevertheless, optometry has a clear mono coolies tables orientation and focuses on the individual assessment of each right and left eye. Internationally, these tasks can be differently regulated by laws and professional regulations.

The manufacture of spectacle frames made ​​of metals and plastics, as well as the grinding of lenses is indeed taught in training, because of the now mostly industrial production but only rarely applied in practice. In contrast, the sale of optical instruments and tools, as well as the associated customer service always takes a larger space.

In the early 1930s, the physicist Hermann Pistor highlighted two points in the definition of the profession:

• Opticians is a Trained on a scientific basis craftsmen, which deals with the production, adaptation, sale and consulting of visual aids and Sehinstrumenten ( magnifiers and reading desks, lighted fine scales, microscopes, small telescopes, opera glasses, binoculars, and often thermometer and barometer) all kinds of deals.
• Opticians to-be, at - subordinating above or a " mono profession" and therefore no occupational group.

Mobile Optometrists

The proportion of eyes visually carers in extreme old age and / or with reduced mobility is increasing. A transport of disabled people and care cases is usually associated with great effort and cost. For these groups of people there are "mobile opticians " that adjust in those affected at home glasses, glass and frame discussions perform, check prescriptions or select appropriate magnifiers and other low vision aids. This does not replace necessary consultations with an ophthalmologist, but allows subsequent ophthalmic care in the personal environment and saving both arduous journeys. However, not every Optician offers such a service.

Situation in Germany

Dual Training

The eyeglass is a craft with three years of apprenticeship in the dual system. The contents include craft activities ( grinding and mounting of lenses in mounts, repairs of damaged eyeglasses, etc. ), organizational activities (sales order processing ) and now, especially in work in customer contact ( sales calls, rejection handling, etc.).

The final examination is divided into:

• Practical examination Part 1 and 2
• Theoretic examination Part 1 and 2

Upgrading training

In opticians craft is master constraint when you want to run a business and train apprentices. The master's examination can take anyone who has passed the final examination to become an optician. Exam preparation courses at master schools take full-time about half a year. Training at technical colleges provide wider learning content and knowledge and take between one and two years. Here, the final state certified optician is awarded that requires a broad knowledge of optical eye, now also entitled to keep a ophthalmic operation, but not to train apprentices. Who has acquired the financial statements for state-certified optometrist, to indicate successful additional drop of the master's examination of master. In some states, including Bavaria, entitled the conclusion as a state- certified optician access to higher education in the field of ophthalmic optics and optometry.

After passing the examination for master optician or state-certified optician optician has the authority to determine eyeglass and contact lens fitting. Optometrists are also responsible for the low vision counseling and adaptation magnifying vision aids. These can be visual impairments which can not be improved by glasses or contact lenses ( eg, age-related macular degeneration) are used.

Situation in Austria

In Austria, training content and required skills are not much different from those in Germany. The eyeglass is a teaching profession with 3 ½ - year apprenticeship. As in Germany, Austrian apprentices are dually trained in relevant industry organizations ( optician, opticians chains) and in vocational schools. Related teaching professions, such as precision opticians and hearing aid can be completed with a reduced teaching time. Apprentices include vocational education with the final apprenticeship examination and be able to form a master. The successful final apprenticeship examination in Austria also allows access to vocational Matura ( Berufsreifeprüfung ) and hence to further higher qualifications, eg at colleges.

There are also in Austria admission requirements for the autonomous management of a specialist garage. The optical industry, as the trade of contact lens optics, a regulated craft. Master must demonstrate a two-year, subject-related professional activities. Graduates of master classes and specialized technical colleges (HTL) with work experience are admitted to an operational management.

Situation in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the optician / EFZ (French Optician CFC, Italian Ottico AFC) basic vocational training. It lasts four years and takes place in factories, vocational school, as well as in industry courses. The course centers are located in Starrkirch -Wil (Canton Solothurn ) and Lausanne (Vaud ). For higher qualifications - provided professional Mature - can a study of optometry be done with training for optometrists at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland.

By 2007, existed in Switzerland, the higher technical examination for graduate optician. The training was based on the teachings and included a study of four semesters.