In our optician job fact sheet, we set out the importance of this healthcare professional in correcting visual deficiencies. With an aging population and an increase in screen-related visual disorders, the demand for qualified opticians is constantly on the rise. This article details all the steps required to become an optician.
Why choose the optician profession?
The optician profession offers a unique opportunity to combine technical and interpersonal skills for the visual well-being of patients. Working as an optician allows you to play an active role in correcting vision problems, while advising on the choice of corrective lenses and frames to suit each individual's needs.
Training to become an optician
The BTS Opticien-Lunetier (BTS OL) is the only way to become an optician in France. This Bac+2-level diploma combines theory and practice. It enables you to acquire all the skills you need to work as an optician straight from school, by applying for optician job vacancies.
To enter the BTS Opticien-Lunetier program, students are advised to follow a scientific course of study at high school, in particular a general baccalaureate with a scientific bent, or a technological baccalaureate STL (sciences and laboratory technologies) with a biotechnology or SPCL (physical and chemical sciences in the laboratory) option. If they want to succeed and flourish in this field, candidates must show an interest in scientific subjects.
The BTS OL program is dense and covers a wide range of subjects. It includes courses in physics applied to optics, optical sciences, professional communication and management. Students also learn to handle measuring instruments, cut and mount lenses, and fit contact lenses. In addition, in-company internships enable students to familiarize themselves with the realities of the profession.
Within this curriculum, students can choose between two methods: full-time or apprenticeship. In the former, BTS OL students follow theoretical courses supplemented by internships, while in the latter they divide their training time between classes and work experience.
Alternatives and complementary training
After the BTS, students can continue their training with a professional license in optics. This one-year diploma enables further specialization, particularly in sales techniques, optical store management or visual refraction. This opens the way to higher responsibilities and easier access to management positions.
For opticians wishing to deepen their expertise, there are also masters degrees specializing in optometry or contactology. These courses, at bac+5 level, enable opticians to develop cutting-edge skills in visual health, particularly in carrying out in-depth visual assessments and prescribing complex lenses. These masters courses offer career prospects in research centers or in collaboration with ophthalmologists.
Finally, continuing education is essential to keep abreast of new technologies and the latest advances. Practicing opticians can take courses in myopia management, low vision or the care of patients with specific pathologies. This enables them to enhance their expertise and meet the needs of their customers.
Career opportunities after optician training
Once they have completed their opticianry studies , graduates have a number of options open to them. Whether they wish to concentrate on the core of the profession or gain independence by taking on peripheral roles, they will have many ways of fulfilling their potential:
- Working in an optical store : the majority of opticians start their career by working in an optical store, whether independent or part of a chain. This work environment enables them to put their acquired skills into practice, advise customers and familiarize themselves with day-to-day management.
- Becoming an independent optician: with a few years' experience under their belt, many opticians choose to go independent and open their own store. This choice requires management and entrepreneurial skills, but offers the opportunity to create a space that reflects one's image, and to develop a loyal clientele. Being your own boss is an attractive prospect for many professionals in the sector.
- Opportunities in the visual health sector: apart from stores, opticians can work in lens manufacturing laboratories, in optical research, or in specialized centers for the visually impaired. There is no shortage of opportunities for opticians wishing to diversify their careers and explore new horizons in the field of visual health.
In short, studying to become an optician opens the door to a rewarding and challenging career. With the right training, these professionals can evolve throughout their career, whether they choose to work in a store, specialize or set up their own business.
Enjoyed reading this and want to learn more? Check out our optician salary sheet.
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Optician jobs - Montmorency 95
Employee
2600 - 3000 per month
Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt
An optical store in Montmorency, in the Val-d'Oise department, is looking for a new optician or lens technician/sales associate (M/F) for a permanent position. Job Details Permanent Contract Full-time The Company You will join an optical store located in Montmorency, in the Val-d'Oise region, with a unique focus on low vision and contact lenses. The store also offers an online ophthalmology consultation service and has its own workshop for crafting custom frames—a rare asset that fully showcases the optician’s technical expertise. Furthermore, the product range extends from entry-level brands to the most prestigious luxury brands, including mid-range options, ensuring a diverse and discerning clientele. The team, led by an optician-manager with a recognized technical background in contact lens fitting, training, and ophthalmic assistance, consists of two apprentices, offering a close-knit, educational environment that fosters independence. Compensation Between €2,600 and €3,000 gross/month Variable, to be determined Responsibilities Customer reception and consultation Sales of optical equipment ranging from entry-level to luxury Handling contact lens fittings and low-vision care Assembling eyeglasses: rimmed, drilled, and diamond-cut Manufacturing custom frames in the workshop Fittings and Repairs Management of after-sales service, third-party billing, and invoicing Administrative tracking of customer records Equipment My Easy Optic software Dedicated eye exam area Telemedicine machine Specialized low-vision equipment Workshop for assembling and manufacturing custom frames Approximately 2,000 frames available in-store Benefits 50% coverage by health insurance Group bonus based on revenue and potential for individual bonuses Performance-based compensation based on skills A learning-oriented environment with high-level technical guidance Custom-made manufacturing workshop where you can fully showcase your expertise A selection of frames ranging from leading luxury brands to entry-level options Facility equipped for eye exams, telemedicine, contact lens fitting, and low vision care Parking and public transportation nearby That Extra Special Touch The location offers an excellent balance between a neighborhood lifestyle and easy access to Paris. The area is also close to wooded areas such as the Montmorency Forest, perfect for weekend walks and outdoor activities. Qualifications Optometrist licensed in France. Contact us at: 06 30 19 54 06 or by email at [email protected] Job Posting ID: 12729 Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Optician - Châtellerault 86
Employee
2400 - 2600 per month
Châtellerault
An optical store located in Châtellerault, near Poitiers, is looking for a new optician (M/F) for a permanent position. Job Details - Permanent contract - 35-hour workweek (one 4-day week and one 5-day week) - Store open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - 3 Saturdays worked per month The Company You’ll join a company ideally located in Châtellerault and become part of an experienced, dedicated, and organized team within a professional yet friendly work environment. In addition, the company places great importance on supporting its employees and offers several training programs to help them develop their skills: in-house training, continuing professional development (CPD) courses, as well as more specialized professional training (contact lens fitting, low vision, eye exams, etc.). Finally, the store is equipped with state-of-the-art, high-end equipment for conducting eye exams, including NIDEK equipment. Compensation - Annual gross salary ranging from €28,800 to €36,000 (excluding variable compensation), to be determined based on your profile and experience - Monthly sales bonuses Responsibilities - Conducting eye exams and optometric tests - Fitting and adjusting lenses and frames - Selling vision solutions and providing customer advice - Adjusting and repairing frames - Managing orders and inventory - Contributing to the store’s sales and promotional activities Benefits - Free parking - €9 meal vouchers (employee contribution: €3.60) - 100% coverage of health insurance premiums - National works council Qualifications Optician with a degree from France (BTS required). Sales-oriented and dynamic candidate. Position open to recent graduates. Contact us at: 06 30 19 54 06 or by email at [email protected] Job posting ID: 12164 Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Optician (M/F) - Poitiers 86
Employee
28800 - 40000 per year
Chasseneuil-du-Poitou
An optical store located near Poitiers, in the Vienne department, in Chasseneuil, is looking for a new optician (M/F) for a permanent position. Job Details - Permanent contract - 35 hours per week on a rolling schedule (1 week of 4 days and 1 week of 5 days) – Store open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - 3 Saturdays worked per month The Business This is an optical store located in a shopping district, easily accessible and close to major roadways. You’ll join an experienced, dedicated, and organized team in a professional yet friendly work environment. In addition, the company places a strong emphasis on supporting its employees and offers several training programs to help them develop their skills: in-house training, continuing professional development (CPD), as well as more specialized professional training (contact lens fitting, low vision, eye exams, etc.). Finally, the store is equipped with state-of-the-art, high-end equipment for conducting eye exams, including NIDEK instruments. Compensation - Salary ranging from €28,800 to €40,000 gross per year (including variable pay), to be determined based on your profile and experience Responsibilities - Conducting eye exams and visual assessments - Assembling, fitting, and inspecting eyeglasses - Providing customer advice and selling optical products - Participating in the store’s sales and promotional activities Benefits - Store located in a shopping district, easily accessible and highly visible - Stable team and dynamic work environment - Free parking - €9 meal vouchers (employee contribution: €3.60) - 100% coverage of health insurance premiums - National-level works council Qualifications Optician with a degree from France (BTS required). Dynamic and sales-oriented candidate. Position open to recent graduates. Contact us at: 06 30 19 54 06 or by email at [email protected]. Job posting ID: 12166 Find over 4,000 healthcare job openings on our website and the Jober Group mobile app. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts ready to assist you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
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