Optician Wanted: Women Need Apply

Opticianry — the mysterious occupation within the eye care industry. Even as I type this, my word processing app refuses to recognize my profession’s name, underlining the mystery word and prompting me to check my spelling.

The confusion of the 3 O’s: Optician, Optometrist and Ophthalmologist, has blurred our lines for many years and consequently kept us a mystery to many. But today, we are here to declare the profession of opticianry is alive and well —, and vital for the optical industry — as we are the ones who proudly complete the circle of eye care for our patients.

When I began my career, almost 45 years ago, I was hired by an optician who owned his own shop.  He sat me down and noted in earnest, "If you are going to be a woman in this field, you must be licensed.  If you don’t get licensed, no one will ever take you seriously.” At that time, less than 20% of opticians were women, and we had an uphill battle to prove ourselves.

Today over 70% of opticians are women. 

• Opticianry has grown to be an excellent career choice for women. Why? It is highly in demand in almost all states — this creates higher wages, better benefits and more flexibility in work schedules and hours. 

• The formal education or apprenticeship can often be completed in two years, which makes it an easier profession to enter into, and the licensure in 23 states brings employment security.

• Helping people to improve their vision and quality of life is incredibly rewarding. 

• Lastly, and the most exciting reason, is that women opticians have increased recognition and opportunity within this field.

Judy Quinones, Donna Schaub and myself, Dibby Bartlett, all opticians, have enjoyed and continue to take full advantage of the varied opportunities available to us. 

Collectively we have:

• Managed optical shops

• Achieved certification and licensure

• Attained advanced certifications

• Worked as frame representatives

• Worked as contact lens representatives

• Served as Chief Operating Officer of an eyewear company

• Started a state association

• Served as a State Association Director

• Served as a National Association Director

• Served as a State Association President

• Served as a National Association President

• Served as a director on an industry board of directors

• Consulted for the optical industry

• Developed a course curriculum

• Taught at an NFOS opticianry school

• Lectured nationally

• Won the NFOS College Bowl

• Received the Academic Excellence Award

• Wrote and published multiple continuing education courses

• Volunteered at Vision Clinics

• Won an Opticians Association of America Leadership Grant

• Named a Most Influential Women in Optical

• Achieved the Eyecare Business Gamechanger Award

Opticianry has given us the opportunities to achieve the above, and, watch out world, we aren’t done yet!

"This profession has given me so many opportunities to grow, lead, and give back. As much as I’ve accomplished, there’s still so much more I want to do, and that motivates me every day. I love taking on new projects and finding ways to make things better. Opticianry is a great profession because it offers so many ways to explore, create, and contribute.” -Judy Quinones

"Opticianry has provided me with numerous opportunities and education both in and out of the workplace and classroom. As the first sales representative to introduce a new contact lens to the U.S. market, I gained valuable insights into how different cultures operate. For example, a phrase I learned from my Japanese colleagues is “otsukaresama desu.” Although it doesn’t translate directly into English, it can be used in various contexts to acknowledge someone’s efforts, serving as a means of expressing respect and appreciation. I have since adopted this mindset both professionally and personally.” -Donna Schaub

"Opticianry has given me more than I ever thought I would have the chance to do and be. Each varied opportunity has been a joy to discover, nourished my intellect and has given me a tremendous sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.” -Dibby Bartlett

As we consider the many opportunities we have had and taken advantage of, it seems only fitting that we work together, through the Optical Women’s Association, to encourage those many women opticians out there to do the same.

Our advice to our sisters in the profession is this:

•      Seek out new positions. If you don’t see the one you want, create it.

•      Knock on ALL doors, you are worthy and you just never know what can happen.

•      Step into any and all leadership positions you can. Even the smallest can be a stepping stone.

•      Ask someone to nominate YOU for an award. Be your own advocate.

•      Achieve the highest education in your field. Never stop learning.

•      Ask for a hand up from a woman colleague if you need it.

•      Give a hand up to other women, every time you can.

•      Lastly, Join organizations, like the OWA, that offer the chance to network with influential women. The Optical Women’s Association uniquely fosters mentorship, networking, and professional development for women in the optical industry.  It amplifies our voices and offers us the opportunity to connect, grow, and give back.

Being part of the OWA supports our commitment to elevating our profession of opticianry and take full advantage of the opportunities before us.

If you’re a member of the Optical Women’s Association and know an optician who could benefit from our community, please share this article.

If you are not a member of the OWA, join us, won’t you?

Written by: Dibby Bartlett