NEC
L19A
Optician
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Description
Performs all phases of fabrication of single vision and multifocal spectacles from prescriptions. Marks, cuts, edges, and inserts single vision and multifocal lenses into appropriate frames. Resurfaces, grinds, and polishes special single vision and multifocal lenses from ophthalmic lens blanks. Measures, orders, verifies, and dispenses spectacles. Provides spectacle repair and replacement service. Maintains and repairs optical laboratory equipment. Assists optometrists and medical officers in the treatment of patients with ocular disorders. Maintains and operates equipment used for diagnostic screening of ocular conditions. Senior opticians perform administrative and managerial duties in optometry and ophthalmology clinics.
Core Skills
- prescription lens interpretation
- lens marking and cutting
- lens edging
- frame measurement
- spectacle fabrication
- lens resurfacing
- spectacle dispensing
- optical equipment maintenance
- spectacle repair
- ocular screening support
Common Certifications
- American Board of Opticianry Certification (ABO)
- National Contact Lens Examiners Certification (NCLE)
- Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA)
- Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT)
- Certified Paraoptometric (CPO)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
Civilian Career Paths
- OPTOMETRY
- CLINICAL TECHNICIAN
Training & Development
Getting Started
- American Board of Opticianry Certification (ABO)
- Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
- Optician apprenticeship program
Career Growth
- National Contact Lens Examiners Certification (NCLE)
- Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT)
- Certified Paraoptometric (CPO)
- American Board of Opticianry Advanced Certification
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Data sourced from official Navy publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.