Studying to become an optician: training, qualifications and specializations.

Why choose the optician profession?

The métier d&’opticien 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 disorders, while advising on the choice of corrective lenses and frames to suit each individual need.

Training to become an optician

The BTS Opticien-Lunetier (BTS OL) is the only route to practicing the métier of optician in France. This bac+2 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 offers.

To access a BTS Opticien-Lunetier, it is recommended that you follow a scientific pathway in high school, in particular with a bac général à dominante scientifique ou un bac technologique STL (sciences et technologies de laboratoire) option biotechnologies ou SPCL (sciences physiques et chimiques en laboratoire). If you want to pursue a career in this field, you must show an interest in scientific subjects.

The BTS OL program is dense and covers a wide range of subjects. It includes courses in applied physics, optical science, professional communication and management. Students also learn how to handle measuring instruments, cut and mount lenses, and fit contact lenses. In addition, in-company internships provide an insight into the trade.

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 the latter allows them to divide their training time between courses and life in a company.

Alternatives and complementary training

After the BTS, students can continue their training with a professional license in optics. This one-year diploma enables students to specialize further, particularly in sales techniques, optical store management and visual inspection. This paves the way for greater responsibility and easier access to management positions.

For opticians wishing to deepen their expertise, there are also specialized masters degrees in optometry or contactology. These 5-year degree courses enable students to develop advanced skills in visual health, particularly in carrying out in-depth visual assessments and prescribing complex lenses. These masters degrees offer career prospects in research centers or in collaboration with ophthalmologists.

Finally, continuing education is essential to keep up to date with new technologies and the latest advances. Practising 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 respond to the needs of their customers.

Les débouchés après les études d’opticien

Once the études d’opticien completed, the young graduate will have a number of options at his disposal. Whether they wish to focus on the core of the business, or gain independence by taking on peripheral roles, they will have a number of ways to fulfill their potential, including: 

• Working in an optical store : the majority of opticians start their careers working in an optical store, whether it's independent or part of a chain. This working environment enables you to put acquired skills into practice, advise customers and familiarize yourself with day-to-day management.
• To become an indépendant optician: with a few years' experience under their belts, many opticians choose to set up as indépendants and open their own store. This choice requires management and entrepreneurial skills, but offers the opportunity to create a space that reflects one’s own image and to develop a loyal customer base. Being your own boss is an attractive prospect for many industry professionals.
• Opportunities in the visual health sector: apart from stores, opticians can work in lens and lens manufacturing laboratories, in optical research, or in specialized centers for the visually impaired. There's no shortage of opportunities for opticians keen to diversify their careers and explore new horizons in the field of visual health.

In résumé, études pour devenir opticienopen the way to à a rewarding career full of défis. Thanks to tailored training courses, these professionals can evolve throughout their career, whether they choose to work in a store, specialize or create their own structure.

Did you enjoy this read and want to learn more? Find our optician salary sheet.