Have you ever wondered what opticians do during the day? If you have, you’re in luck. In this month's blog, we’ll take a look into my average day as an optician at Bright Eyes Family Vision.
8:50 A.M.
I arrive at the office early to make my first cup of coffee, turn on the computers, and open the exam room for patients.
9:25 A.M.
The first patient of the day gets to the office. While the receptionist checks them in, I familiarize myself with their insurance benefits. While the patient is in the pre-testing room, I borrow their current glasses for a quick read on the Lensmeter to estimate their last prescription.
9:55 A.M.
Dr. Pulsfus is finishing up with the patient. The patient decided to try contact lenses for the first time. I conduct the initial training on contact lens safety and handling technique with them and schedule their follow up visit with the receptionist.
10:30 A.M.
I have a meeting with one of our frame brand representatives to preview the summer collection. Dr. Pulsfus joins me in selecting new styles for the office and we discuss new trends with our frame rep.
12:00 P.M.
A patient walks in with a repair. It’s an easy one, just replacing a screw on her nose pad. I replace the screw and set her up with a new pair of nose pads as well.
12:30 P.M.
Lunch time!
1:00 P.M.
More patients! A family arrives and they all wear glasses! As Dr. Pulsfus is doing their exams, I am looking into their file to see what sort of glasses they wear and what kind of lenses they’re in. I also look at their new prescriptions and make sure I have my recommendations in order based on their history and hobbies.
1:30 P.M.
It’s time to go into Optical! I sit Mom and Dad down and discuss the family's visual needs. After we design everyone's lenses, we start doing the fun part--selecting frames!
2:15 P.M.
Everyone has been fitted and measured and the family is ready to check out with the receptionist. I let them know that their glasses will be ready for pickup in about two weeks and tell them to enjoy their day!
2:30 P.M.
Our incoming orders arrived from our labs. We verify each order in our office before we notify patients that they are ready to be picked up. I check the prescription on the lensmeter, a device for reading prescriptions, and do a visual check of the glasses to make sure all of the features that patients ordered were put into the lenses. I’ll also make sure that the molecularly bonded coatings look good. After I check all those things and more, I’ll notify patients that they can come get their new glasses!
3:30 P.M.
Now it's time to work on our social media marketing. I finish up adding things into our calendar by making posts and creating graphics. After that, I’ll call a few people back who have left me messages about upcoming opportunities in the community.
4:15 P.M.
Our next patient arrives for his exam and contact lens fitting. This patient is also interested in looking at our sunglasses because he’s been having a lot of problems with glare and light sensitivity while wearing his contact lenses. We have a TON of polarized sunglasses in store that I think would solve all of his issues, and he can wear them over his contact lenses.
Our patient comes out and I guide him through the optical process. We both work together to get him the best product to fit his needs. I grab a case for his new Ray-Ban aviators and tell the receptionist he’s ready to go!
5:30 P.M.
It’s been a great day at the office. At this point, I’m helping our last patients select their eyewear and lens options and starting to do my end of day checklist. After I finish with our guests, I close down the exam room and pre-testing area. Afterwards, I tidy up our desks and the optical area.
6:00 P.M.
I close up the office and make sure it is ready for the day tomorrow!
And there you have it, an average day as an optician. As you can see, we’re responsible for a lot but that’s what makes the job exciting!