Opticianry can be a mysterious creature, it encompasses so many wide ranging tasks and emphasis areas that if you ask 10 opticians what it is they do, you will likely get 10 different answers. None of those answers are wrong, but they are likely quite different. You see, opticians view themselves differently than the world views them. Most opticians see themselves in segments, some identify as someone in sales, and some identify as someone who specializes in the ordering of optical devices based on the patient's needs and the written prescription, and some identify as more of a frame stylist. Again, none of these are wrong. No matter how you identify yourself, always remember that education must be at the heart of what you do.

Intention
I talk a lot about intention, that's no secret. I do this because I believe strongly that most people have no idea why they do what they do and taking a minute to set an intention adds a level of clarity to everything in your day. It allows you to identify your goals and to work toward them and it makes you more productive. What do I mean by "setting an intention?" I'm so glad you asked.

Every day we get the opportunity to start over on our optical journey. Everyday we learn lessons that allow us to best help our patients. Taking a minute to set your intention for the day gives you the opportunity to keep that idea first and foremost in your mind. Case in point, most days I wake up and create the intention for my day to be the best optician I can be, to serve my patients to the best of my ability, and to have some fun while doing it. When I so much as say these words, I cement the reason I do what I do and I give myself permission to be my best. Why? Because my patients deserve it. Guess what. Yours do too.

Focus on Your Patient
Whether you see yourself as a frame stylist or a lens guru or even if you feel like you fit many of those self-imposed classifications, always remember that the base of your job is to be of service to your patient. You could be the best lens guru but if you don't understand that you work for your patients, then you're missing the boat. You may think that you work for a doctor, or a retail chain, or whoever it is that signs your paycheck, but at the end of the day you work for the patient. Remember, if the patient doesn't come in, you don't have a reason to come to work.

Your Patient Deserves Education
Remembering that you work for your patient should encourage you to provide them with optical education each time they visit your office. Sometimes the patient thinks they know what they would like to have in terms of eyewear, and you may know that what they want isn't what would be most suitable for that patient. It is your responsibility to provide education to that patient to help them make the best decision for their vision needs. Take every opportunity to teach your patient about how precious their vision is and how you can help them maintain and enhance that vision. Remember that your patient doesn't visit you all that often, so make sure to take the time each time you see them to remind them how important their vision is to you, and mean what you say.

If your patient knew everything about the optical industry they would likely already be working within the industry. It is your job to make certain they understand the differences between different lens materials, lens designs, frame manufacturing techniques, frame materials, etc. Why should you take the time to do this? Because if your patient doesn't understand that you are the vision expert, they will assume that you know as much about it as they do. Does that scare you? It should.

How Do You See Yourself?
If you don't see yourself as the optical professional, how do you expect your patient to see you that way? As you recall, you work for your patient, and as such, your patient deserves for you to be the vision expert, set your intention to be the best optician you can be and go out there and do it! Greatness awaits. Go get it!

Johnna Dukes, ABOC is currently the owner and operator of an optical boutique, with experience in both the private practice sector as well as the retail chain setting. She has a wide range of experience varying from optical support staff to dispensary management to practice ownership. She lives in Okoboji, Iowa.