While the shortage of optometrists and ophthalmologists continue to garner headlines in the optical space, there is a growing realization that a shortage of qualified opticians is also making life more challenging for many optical shops and practices. According to the United Opticians Association (UOA), the U.S. is facing growing shortages across all three eyecare professions—ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians—driven by an aging population and increased demand for medical eyecare.
While concerns about upcoming shortages in optometrists and ophthalmologists are justified—with demand projected to outstrip supply in the coming decade—workforce data indicates an even more acute shortfall among opticians. Approximately 6,800 optician positions open up annually, largely driven by retirements and career transitions out of the field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, current entry rates into the profession fail to keep pace with these openings. UOA projections suggest that optician availability will meet only 76 percent of demand by 2035, a figure that could fall to 60 percent should systemic barriers to accessing eyecare be addressed.
“The immediate impact is often seen in both operational efficiency and the patient experience. A shortage of qualified opticians can contribute to longer wait times, increased workload on existing staff, and challenges in providing the personalized guidance patients need to make informed vision care decisions,” said Bob Alexander, ABOM, NCLEM, director of education at United Opticians Association.
Bob Alexander, ABOM, NCLEM.
He added, “Over time, those challenges can compound. Opticians play a critical role in translating prescriptions into successful patient outcomes, helping patients select appropriate vision solutions, and reinforcing confidence in the care they receive. As consumer options continue to expand, maintaining a highly competent optical workforce becomes increasingly important for practices seeking to deliver a differentiated in-person experience.”
Improving Access and Training
The New England College of Optometry (NECO) noted on its website that opticianry is “vital to delivering accessible, high-quality vision care.” Consequently, a shortage of opticians can result in longer wait times for prescription eyewear, poorly fitted glasses, and heightened stress for clinical staff. Additionally, this deficit diminishes general access to care, disproportionately affecting residents in rural and underserved areas due to a lack of local providers.
“Addressing workforce challenges and improving patient outcomes requires collaboration across the broader eyecare community,” said Alexander. “We believe there are meaningful opportunities for optometry schools, opticianry educators, employers, professional associations, and industry partners to work together to increase awareness of optical careers and strengthen workforce development efforts.” The UOA has begun conversations with the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) and its Special Interest Groups (SIGs) to identify opportunities for collaboration around shared goals, including workforce development, interprofessional understanding, and ultimately improved patient outcomes, he noted.
The UOA has developed a directory of educational resources, certification preparation tools, and educational programs to help individuals identify a pathway that best fits their circumstances and learning preferences.
The UOA Education Committee said it is focused on strengthening the entire education and workforce ecosystem. Individuals enter the profession through a variety of pathways, including formal education, apprenticeship, employer-based training, certification preparation programs, and self-directed learning. “Our goal is to help create greater clarity, accessibility, and alignment across those pathways while maintaining a strong focus on professional competency,” said Alexander.
Solving Certification Confusion
Ophthalmologists and optometrists require standardized, accredited education and licensure in every state, which makes their pipelines easier to measure, model and quantify, according to the UOA. The requirements to become an optician vary significantly by state, however. There is no federal license for opticians, meaning each state sets its own rules regarding education, exams, apprenticeships, and whether a license is required at all. Currently, about 22 U.S. states require opticians to hold a state license to practice.
“One challenge we consistently hear about is confusion surrounding certification and, where applicable, licensure requirements,” Alexander said. “As part of our strategic efforts at UOA, we are exploring ways to improve pathway visibility, strengthen apprenticeship resources, support educational providers, and make it easier for prospective opticians to understand how to enter and progress within the profession.”
Perhaps the most convincing sign of an optician shortage is who is taking action to deal with the situation, as demonstrated by Walmart’s creation of an internal training initiative to prepare workers for optician licensing. In July, Walmart announced the launch of its Associate to Optician program, a new, no-cost pathway into careers in licensed vision care that provides employees working outside of its vision care centers the chance to obtain a fully sponsored associate’s degree in optical science. The earn-while-you learn pilot program helps associates save over $20,000 in education costs, according to Walmart. This initiative is powered by Walmart’s Live Better U education benefit and combines academic study with practical clinical training.
Strength in Numbers
According to Alexander, rectifying the optician shortage is not a challenge any one organization can solve alone. “What has been encouraging is the growing collaboration we’re seeing across the profession. Through initiatives such as the UOA Sightline Industry Panel, engagement with employers and industry partners, and ongoing conversations with organizations including the American Optometric Association (AOA), there is increasing alignment around the need to strengthen the workforce pipeline while maintaining high standards of professional competency,” he said.
“While stakeholders may approach the issue from different perspectives, there is broad agreement on the outcome we are all working toward: ensuring patients receive the highest quality vision care experience possible,” he added. Although industry stakeholders may employ different strategies, Alexander believes they are united in the shared goal of building the workforce the profession needs for the future by strengthening awareness of opticianry careers, improving access to education and training pathways, and supporting competency through certification.
