Optician is an optical and ophthalmic products laboratory technician, capable of interpreting the prescription prescribed by the ophthalmologist, taking care of the maintenance of lenses and glasses, as well as producing, adapting, assembling and repairing them, as well as advising the customer on the best type of lens and frame to choose for each case.
To become an optician, it is necessary to obtain the diploma of the respective technical course, whose duration varies according to the curriculum. The course can be taken simultaneously with high school or after completion of it and includes a mandatory internship.
The activities carried out by the optician include:
- Receive the raw material (rough glass or acrylic block) to start the lens production process through sanding;
- Carry out the industrial process that creates the necessary curvatures in the glasses, through a machine (curve generator);
- Define the degree through the relationship between the inner and outer curves of the lens;
- Finishing and polishing the lenses;
- Mount the lenses on the frame of the glasses;
- Fix lenses and frames;
- Guidance on choosing the frame;
- Measure the client's visual focus and the distance between the pupils;
- Prepare the lens according to the necessary specifications;
- Adaptation of the lens to the cornea.
Oculist x Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologist is the doctor specializing in ophthalmology. He is the professional who completed the medical course and specialized in the treatment and pathologies of the eyes and their adnexa.
The term "optician" is sometimes erroneously used to refer to the ophthalmologist, as they are completely different professions.
The ophthalmologist performs surgeries, prescribes treatments, medication and corrections for vision disorders, being able to work in various sub-specialties of ophthalmology.