Andrew Bruce working with a group of opticians at a local optical facility. Bruce says that during the hiring process there are telltale signs that a person will likely make a strong optician.
Qualities of a great optician
By Andrew Bruce, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FCLSA
Feb. 19, 2025
As someone who has spent years in the eyecare profession, I learned that hiring the right optician is crucial for delivering exceptional patient care.
Here is what makes a great optician, how to identify those qualities in candidates and the essential questions to ask during interviews.
What Qualities Make a Great Optician?
First and foremost, a great optician must possess excellent communication skills. The key to being a good communicator is being a good listener.
I found that the best opticians can connect with their patients by truly understanding their vision needs and concerns. This connection allows them to recommend the best eyewear solutions, enhancing patients’ quality of life.
Additionally, attention to detail is paramount. An optician must have a solid grasp of the science and math involved in the eyecare profession. This combination of communication skills and technical knowledge is what sets great opticians apart.
Identifying Qualities in Job Candidates
When it comes to identifying these qualities in candidates, I have always trusted my gut feeling.
During interviews, I can usually gauge a candidate’s personality. Managing an independent practice meant that our payroll budget didn’t always allow for hiring additional licensed opticians. Instead, I focused on hiring individuals with excellent communication skills and trained them to become high-performing optical assistants.
In my experience, while it’s possible to teach optical skills to someone eager to learn, you can’t teach someone to be inherently friendly, personable and caring. These traits are essential for ensuring patients enjoy a superior experience.
Prospective employees typically go through three interviews: a preliminary phone interview with the business manager, an in-person interview with me and a final in-person interview with the owner, business manager and myself.
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If we’re all in agreement, the candidate is asked to return for a 3-4 hour working interview. This allows all staff members to interact with the candidate, after which, I solicit feedback to determine if they will be a good fit for both the practice and team.
This allows me to assess the candidate’s fit from multiple perspectives.
Essential Interview Questions for Opticians
When interviewing opticians, I recommend asking the following questions:
- Are you ABO/NCLE certified or state licensed?
- What made you leave your last practice?
- How would you handle a situation where you’re assisting a patient and another patient needs your help?
- If a patient expresses concern about their diagnosis of macular degeneration, how would you respond?
- Explain photochromic lenses and AR coatings to a patient with no eyewear knowledge.
- If a patient returns with complaints of a pulling sensation in their right eye with their new glasses, what would you check first?
- How many doctors were in your previous practice?
These questions help gauge a candidate’s experience and problem-solving abilities.
Crafting a Job Description
When posting a job for an optician, I recommend the following description:
Position Available: Optician
We are seeking an optician who demonstrates a true passion for the eyecare profession. The ideal candidate will prioritize superior patient care and service, aligning with our practice mission. While ABO/NCLE certification or state licensing is preferred, it is not required. Responsibilities include:
- Providing outstanding customer service and patient care
- Interacting with other eyecare professionals
- Interpreting eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions
- Fitting, measuring and fabricating eyewear
- Providing adjustments and repairs
- Verifying and processing vision insurance
- Ordering and verifying completed eyewear
- Dispensing contact lenses and providing training
Questions to Expect from Candidates
I appreciate candidates who ask insightful questions, such as:
- Are decisions regarding lens design left to the discretion of the optician?
- Does the practice emphasize patient care over speed?
- Are opticians required to meet sales targets?
- Do opticians receive a sales-based commission?
- How involved would I be in contact lens fitting and dispensing?
These questions indicate a candidate’s interest in the practice and their commitment to patient care.
Red Flags in Candidates
There are certain red flags to watch for during the hiring process:
- A candidate who has worked in many practices may lack stability.
- Asking about salary, vacation time, or staff having to work late, during the first interview, can indicate a lack of commitment to patient care.
The Importance of Recommendations
While recommendations from existing employees can help get a candidate an interview, I ensure they are vetted just like any other candidate. This maintains the integrity of our hiring process.
Evaluating New Hires
We implement a 90-day probationary period for new hires. During this time, I meet with them weekly, to discuss areas for improvement, while also acknowledging strengths already observed.
Bottom Line: You Need Dedicated Professionals
In summary, a great optician is a skilled communicator, detail-oriented and passionate about their work. They are dedicated to providing the best patient care and service. That’s what it all comes down to.
Andrew Bruce, LDO, ABOM, NCLEM, FCLSA, is a 2023, 2024, and 2025 Contact Lens Institute Visionary. He is a licensed master optician and contact lens fitting specialist in Vancouver, Wash., and founder of ASB Opticianry Education Services. To contact him: asbopticianry@gmail.com
