Optician Tools

Fitting, adjusting, and repairing frames are important components of the optician job description and are essential skills that everyone entering this profession must master. Because opticians spend so much time working directly with eyeglasses, it is important to make sure the proper tools are available for use. The following is a list of common tools that opticians depend on to perform their daily responsibilities. Familiarizing yourself with these tools and how they are used will help refine your skills in the industry.

Frame Adjustment Tools

  1. Double Nylon Jaw Pliers – Used for adjusting bridges, endpieces, and temples
  2. Angling Pliers – Used for pantoscopic and retroscopic angle adjustments
  3. Snipe Nose Pliers – Used for fine eyewire adjustments
  4. Cutter Pliers – Used to cut screws
  5. Nose Pad Pliers – Used for nose pad assembly adjustments
  6. Axis Pliers – Used for lens axis alignment
  7. Compression Pliers – Used for rimless eyeglass frames
  8. Compression Sleeve Cutters – Used for trimming compression sleeves
  9. 3-Piece Frame Adjusting Pliers – Used for drill mount frame adjustment
  10. Screwdriver Set – Used for removing and replacing screws
  11. Nutdriver Set – Used for removing and replacing nuts
  12. Hot Air Frame Warmer - Used for warming plastic frames

Click Here for Bundled Optician Tool Kits

Other Commonly Used Tools

  1. Pupilometer – Used to measure pupillary distance
  2. Distometer – Used to measure vertex distance
  3. Polariscope – Used to measure lens stress

In addition to the tools listed above, an optician should have a selection of flat head, phillips, and pick-up screwdrivers; hex nut drivers; screw extractors; files; drills; and calipers available for use. These tools will be used frequently and are important for providing high quality service and preventing hand strain. The proper tools coupled with the specialized skill of the optician should result in an ability to fit, adjust, and repair frames in just about any situation.

19 Responses

  1. Femi
    Femi April 11, 2017 at 9:26 am | | Reply

    I had an ophthalmic technician certificate from a college of health technology, i have been practicing fitting, adjusting, repairing and dispensing of eyeglasses for 8yrs.
    What can i do to increase my educational status at work. Thanks

  2. Cindy
    Cindy October 11, 2015 at 5:40 am | | Reply

    I’m currently studying dispensing opticianry in Nigeria and one of my friends called me and said this industry is not a profession. I’d like to learn more about the industry.

  3. Lyn
    Lyn September 1, 2015 at 5:32 am | | Reply

    Hello,

    I’m interested in taking the ABO and NCLE exams. What books or tools can be useful to pass these tests? I worked at an optical establishment for almost 5 yrs; however, I never registered as an apprentice. I tried going to school and for now, my schedule is very hard to change. I currently work in a hospital and I miss the optical business. :(

    Thanks,
    Lyn

  4. Stevenson
    Stevenson January 7, 2015 at 3:03 pm | | Reply

    I recently completed my BSc Optometry Program and was hired by a clinic where I deal with optical dispensing. I did my internship in a hospital where I acquired a very basic knowledge of dispensing. I want to polish my skills and was wondering if there are some books that you could recommend? Thanks!

  5. Kari
    Kari May 24, 2014 at 8:40 pm | | Reply

    I am have been licensed in Virginia for 16 years. What does California require to become licensed there?

  6. Marcie A.
    Marcie A. February 26, 2014 at 8:52 pm | | Reply

    I live in San Diego, CA and there are no optical assistant/optician schools or programs offered in this area. I know that Penn Foster College offers an Optician Program online and so does CA State Univ San Marcos. Do you know if either of these online programs would be accepted from an optometry/ophthalmic practice who is hiring entry level optical assistants/opticians?

  7. Oludayo Jolaosho
    Oludayo Jolaosho February 11, 2014 at 11:08 pm | | Reply

    I work as an optical technician and completed 4 years of training in Nigeria. I was wondering if there are any online programs that you can recommend.

  8. Che Lee
    Che Lee January 24, 2014 at 1:34 am | | Reply

    Aloha,

    Aside from the books and tool kits from Amazon, are there not any online courses that I can take to become an optician in California? I recently was hired by an optometrist and would like to become an optician by next year. Any suggestions?

  9. charles
    charles September 17, 2013 at 2:20 pm | | Reply

    I live in central California and there isn’t any training school or classes offered nearby, I was wondering if there are books for purchase to prepare me for the state optician exam?

  10. mohammad towfiq teraky
    mohammad towfiq teraky May 2, 2013 at 4:41 pm | | Reply

    I was wondering if there are optician tool kits that would allow me to bundle my purchase? Thank You.

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