Becoming An Optician: Nathan Hill, ABOC

May 5, 2023

What is your advice for someone working their way to become an Optician?

Take it one day at a time. There is a lot to learn and plenty of time to learn it. This is one of the best industries due to it’s close knit community, utilize fellow opticians as a sounding board.

Why should anyone get certified/licensed?

It provides credibility and you will gain a great sense of pride.

In your experience, what is the best way to prepare for an Opticianry test?

Take it one category at a time. Once you feel comfortable, move onto the next section. Don’t rush yourself, give yourself plenty of time to learn the material.

What do you remember as being a prominent part of the test or that you were surprised to see on the test?

Prism…so much prism! Also lots of drop ball questions which was weird.

How do you decide if an additional credential should be earned?

When you decide you are ready for the next step in optician education. Keep in mind credentials don’t always equate to experience.

What was the point when you decided to attain your license/certification?

I wanted to be an “official” optician.

What do you feel is your strongest skill as an Optician?

I am a great technical optician and caring consultant.

What role have you held that best helped you to be the Optician you are today?

Optician apprentice. I started from the very bottom and learned to make my way to the top. It was the lowest possible level, but the hardest because I had so much to learn.

What is your advice to someone who lacks sales skills or confidence?

Practice by getting in front of the patients. It’s very hard at the beginning, I am an introvert by nature so I can relate. It will be uncomfortable for a while and as you do it more and more it will become more natural.

If you are no longer an Optician in the traditional sense on a daily basis, how did your Optician skills help you with what you’re doing now?

My optician listening skills helped me to become an amazing business consultant for optometry practices. I have been in every situation possible so I know how to deal with them effectively and teach others how to do the same.