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 - Châtellerault 86
Employee
2400 - 2600 per month
Châtellerault
Optician Job Opening (M/F) - Châtellerault 86 An optical store in Châtellerault, in the Vienne department, is looking for a new optician (M/F) for a permanent position. Job Details - Permanent contract - Full-time (35 hours) - Alternating weekly schedule (Week 1: 4 days / Week 2: 5 days) (31 hours / 39 hours) according to the schedule - Store open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 3 Saturdays worked per month The Business This is an optical store located in a shopping district in Châtellerault. In addition, the location benefits from a steady flow of local customers and passersby due to its proximity to regional highways. The current team consists of three full-time employees. Compensation - €2,400–2,600 gross per month + 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 - National works council - Team of 3 full-time employees - Rotating schedule allowing for alternating 4-day workweeks That little extra Few people know this, but Châtellerault is deeply rooted in French industrial history thanks to its arms factory, which remains a vivid part of local memory to this day. Qualifications Optician with a degree from France (BTS required). 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 - Chasseneuil-du-Poitou 86
Employee
28800 - 40000 per year
Chasseneuil-du-Poitou
Optician Job Opening (M/F) - Chasseneuil-du-Poitou 86 An optical store in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, in the Vienne department, is looking for a new optician (M/F) for a permanent position. Job Details - Permanent contract - 35 hours - Alternating weekly schedules of 31 hours and 39 hours (one 4-day week and one 5-day week) - Store hours: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday - 3 Saturdays per month worked The Business This is an optical store located in a shopping district in Chasseneuil-du-Poitou, easily accessible and close to major roads leading to Châtellerault and Niort. In addition, the on-site team is small and dynamic, consisting of three people, which offers real operational responsibilities and rapid skill development. The store prioritizes customer service and technical versatility. Compensation - €2,400 to €2,600 gross per month + monthly sales bonuses 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 - Small team and dynamic work environment - Free parking - €9 meal vouchers (employee contribution: €3.60) - 100% coverage of health insurance premiums - National works council That little something extra Chasseneuil-du-Poitou is best known as the home of Futuroscope, one of France’s most iconic attractions, which opened in 1987. Qualifications Optician with a degree from France (BTS required). 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.
Optician M/F - Paris 7e
Employee
29000 - 36000 per year
Paris 8e
We are hiring a full-time, permanent optician (M/F) to join a high-end optical store located in Paris’s 7th arrondissement. Job Details This position offers a unique opportunity to grow within a network of 110 stores across France, specializing in luxury and designer products. Your responsibilities will include the following: Greeting customers, managing customer flow, and providing personalized customer service Selling eyewear and sunglasses Conducting eye exams Representing prestigious brands that require high-end sales standards. Managing individual and store sales performance by tracking KPIs. Company Culture You will work for a prestigious brand, recognized for its expertise and excellence in luxury eyewear. This store offers a wide range of designer frames and renowned brands, providing a refined and demanding work environment. Compensation For this position, you will receive a net monthly salary ranging from €29,000 to €36,000 gross per year, to be determined based on your profile. You will also receive commissions and performance-based bonuses. Benefits - Opportunity to join a well-established organization in the high-end optical sector - Opportunities for career advancement within the store network - Work in a sophisticated environment with a discerning clientele - Mentoring and support to develop your expertise in luxury eyewear - Meal vouchers, health insurance, partial reimbursement of transportation costs, etc. - Bonuses - Discounts on the group’s products Qualifications - Optician with a degree from France (or elsewhere in Europe) who must hold a valid BTS - Interest in the luxury sector - Fluency in English required - Ability to communicate clearly and professionally - Ability to build loyalty among local and international customers - Proficiency in using KPIs to meet revenue targets Contact us at: 06 30 19 54 06 Job Posting ID: 9725 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 dedicated to helping you, and a completely free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
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