Editing Optician (section)

== Types ==
===Dispensing optician or ophthalmic dispenser===
[[File:15-11-04-Meßbrille-WMA 3472 73 91.jpg|thumb|Trial frame and lenses]]
A dispensing optician is anyone who prepares, fits, and dispenses prescription lenses, [[spectacles]], glasses, [[contact lenses]], or any other type of vision-correcting optical device to the intended user. They may interpret optical prescriptions issued by an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or physician for the lab optician who fabricates vision-correcting optical lenses. They also measure inter-ocular or pupillary distances, vertex distances, pupil fitting heights, and frame angles to determine the proper position of vision-correcting lenses. In addition, they adapt, modify, or align frames with vision-correcting lenses to the face of the intended wearer, Dispensing opticians must have a basic knowledge of laboratory techniques such as lens surfacing and lens preparation.<ref>Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 420-6-.01</ref>

===Mechanical optician, lab optician, or ophthalmic lab technician===
Ophthalmic laboratory technicians must understand optics and how to use machinery in order to surface, coat, edge, or finish lenses according to specifications provided by dispensing opticians. They typically insert lenses into frames, also called glazing, to produce finished glasses and conduct all quality and safety testing required by the respective local and country regulations. Although most lenses are designed with fully automated equipment, such as computer-based generators, automatic edgers, and lens measurement instruments, a highly-skilled lab optician will often finish lenses by hand for more difficult prescriptions and lens designs in order to have the best-finished outcome.<ref>Wilson, Carrie MBA, ABOM, NCLEM. Introduction to Basic Optical Principles. © 2020 by Wilson.</ref><ref>Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician, Explore Health Careers, at https://explorehealthcareers.org/career/allied-health-professions/ophthalmic-laboratory-technician.htm (visited February 23, 2023)</ref>

===Contact lens fitter or contact lens technician===
Contact lens fitters may work independently or under the direction of an ophthalmologist or optometrist to fill a doctor's prescription for contact lenses. A patient must obtain a prescription for contact lenses from a physician and then the fitter will review contact lens handling, fitting, and follow-up care. Contact lens fitters must have computer skills, communication skills, and an understanding of medical-legal implications.<ref>College of Southern Nevada, Health Programs Advisement Office, 6375 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89146</ref>

===Ocularist===
An [[ocularist]] is a trained technician who specializes in fitting a patient with a prosthetic eye after management by an ophthalmologist. Ocularists are trained in assessing the status of the orbit, fabricating and fitting a cosmetic ocular prosthesis, and periodically monitoring the prosthesis and related tissues. They ensure the correct fitting, shaping, and painting of ocular prostheses. The ocularist also educates the patient on handling and care of the prosthesis. Ocularists provide long-term care through follow-up examinations for evaluation and polishing of prostheses.<ref>Hardin DW. In Clinical Ophthalmic Oncology. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer; 2014. Ocular prosthesis; pp. 219–22.</ref>

===Scientific equipment optician===
A [[scientific equipment optician]] makes and adjusts other optical aids, like [[telescope]] [[optics]] and [[microscope]] [[Lens (optics)|lenses]].{{Citation needed|date=April 2025}}