Even opticians need to be creative

SURE, EVERYONE WANTS glasses that fix their vision problems. But we also want glasses that look good. Picking out the perfect pair — from bifocals to jewel-encrusted frames — requires technical precision and fashion sensibility.

At DeKalb Technical College’s Opticianry diploma program, students learn both — how to analyze a patient’s face shape, complexion and lifestyle.

“If a person has a round face and round glasses, then all you see is round, round, round,” explains Opticianry program Director Tom Schultz. “You’d give that person a more squarish frame, to balance it out.”

“Students use their creativity to help people choose lenses that solve their eye problems and frames that are the right color, shape and style,” says Dr. Robin Hoffman, interim president of DeKalb Tech.

An aging population means an increased demand for licensed opticians. “Baby boomers are now in their 50s and realizing they need glasses,” Schultz says.

Graduates find work in doctors’ offices (optometrists and ophthalmologists) and in retail eyewear stores. The state of Georgia requires that retail eyewear stores have a licensed optician on staff, and DeKalb Tech’s program prepares students to take the licensing exam.

“I’m constantly getting calls from retailers who need graduates,” Schultz says. “Right now, I’m getting about three calls for every graduate I have.”

The eyes have it

SEVENTEEN YEARS AGO, Robert Hooker (at left) graduated from DeKalb Technical College’s Opticianry program. Today, he’s operations manager for all seven Atlanta locations of Thomas Eyewear, a division of Thomas Eye Group, an ophthalmology practice with 15 doctors.

Hooker has the final say on which eyewear frames are on display. “You learn to stay current on what’s in fashion, the colors.”

Opticianry demands a diverse range of skills, he says. A strong fashion sense is required to choose stylish frames. Technical skill is required to correctly fill the prescription lens. And business skills must be sharpened constantly.

“DeKalb Tech gave me a good background for a prosperous career,” he says. “The business side of it, you are always learning, every day.”