Apprentice optician & optical sales
Help people choose eyewear, learn the day-to-day work, and build optical knowledge alongside an experienced team.
A starting point to exploreENTRY-LEVEL OPTICAL CAREERS
New to optical?
You belong here.
We’re looking for people ready to explore their first optical job. Meet a mentor, discover opportunities near you, and take your next step with support.
No experience required to get started.
Local opportunities. Nationwide career support.
A person in your corner.
Guidance from optician mentors
A big industry.
A place to find your path.
LensCrafters
Target Optical
Pearle Vision
Independent practices
START WITH WHAT INTERESTS YOU
Your next job could
look different.
The optical field brings together people, practical skills, and customer care. We’ll help you explore roles that fit your interests and experience.
Optical reception & patient support
Welcome patients, coordinate appointments, and keep an optical office running smoothly.
Put your people skills to workYour next step as an experienced optician
Already have optical experience or a license? Our partner, Optician Staffing Partners, supports experienced candidates connecting with optical employers.
Experienced candidates are welcome, tooA SIMPLE FIRST STEP
Let’s start with a conversation.
Coffee is on us.
You don’t have to figure everything out before getting started. We’ll help you decide what comes next.
01 /
Tell us a little about you
Share your location, interests, and how to reach you through our short candidate interest form.
02 /
Meet an optician mentor
Usually over coffee at Starbucks. Talk about optical work, ask questions, and explore your options in a relaxed setting.
03 /
See the work firsthand
A mentor may join you at a nearby optical shop. Bring eyeglasses that need an adjustment and learn how the process works.
In-person visits depend on local mentor availability and the optical shop’s service policies. We’ll confirm arrangements and any adjustment fee beforehand.
BUILD A CAREER WITH SUPPORT
You bring the interest.
We help with the next step.
Help exploring local openings and preparing applications
Optician mentors to answer your questions
Career advice and interview preparation
Optional introductory skill support, if you need it
Additional support may be available.
Eligible candidates may receive tuition-waived introductory training if they choose. We’ll explain eligibility and any separate costs before you decide.
THE OPTICIAN PROJECT
A nonprofit.
A focus on your future.
We’re a donation-supported workforce organization helping people entering the optical field prepare for jobs and connect with employers.
We work with candidates nationwide and are developing connections with workforce organizations, veterans’ groups, adult schools, and churches.
Our role is career guidance, mentoring, and introductory education. We do not sell eyeglasses, tools, equipment, supplies, or other optical products.
Learn about The Optician ProjectBEFORE YOU GET STARTED
A few good questions.
You can also ask your mentor about anything on your mind.
Do I need optical experience?
No optical experience is required to express interest or speak with us. Each employer sets its own hiring requirements. We’ll help you identify roles that match your background and explain what you may need to learn.
Am I signing up for a training course?
You’re completing a candidate interest form for career and job support. We’ll explore jobs and your readiness to interview first. Introductory training is an optional next step for candidates who want additional preparation.
Is a job or paid apprenticeship guaranteed?
No. We help you prepare for opportunities and connect with employers. Interviews, offers, pay, and any formal apprenticeship arrangements depend on the employer and the position.
What does tuition-waived mean?
Eligible candidates may have the tuition for introductory training waived if they choose to participate. Tools, supplies, transportation, and outside exam fees may be separate. We’ll explain requirements and costs before you decide, and we do not sell those items.
Can I meet a mentor near me?
We support candidates nationwide. In-person meetings and optical shop visits depend on mentor availability in your area. Share your city and ZIP code so we can discuss what is available.
Where could an optical career take me?
Employers include independent optical shops, private optometry practices, and large retail groups. EssilorLuxottica’s approximately 18,000-store global network includes LensCrafters, Target Optical, Pearle Vision, and Sunglass Hut. With experience and qualifications, you can explore optician and management paths. These employer examples do not imply a partnership with The Optician Project.
YOUR FIRST STEP IS RIGHT HERE
Interested in working
in the optical industry?
No optical experience required to express interest.
