Optician, licensed

What does an optician do – tasks and work environment

A licensed optician works with examining, diagnosing, and correcting visual impairments in patients. Tasks include eye examinations, fitting glasses and contact lenses, and advising on visual aids and eye health. Many opticians also have authorization to perform basic fundus examinations and refer patients to ophthalmologists if necessary. The profession is primarily practiced in retail stores, eye clinics, or private practices where the work environment is bright, clean, and ergonomically adapted for both patients and staff. Contact with customers and patients is central, requiring good service skills, accuracy, and the ability to explain medical terms in an understandable way.

Salary development over time

The salary of a licensed optician has shown stable and positive growth in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 41,700 SEK per month, increasing to 43 600 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has risen further to 45 800 SEK per month. This development corresponds to an increase of approximately 9.8% over the three-year period. The salary increase can partly be explained by continued high demand for licensed opticians, increased requirements for specialist skills, and the expanding responsibilities of the profession, such as eye health assessments and advanced vision screening. Gender pay gaps have also decreased somewhat, although women still earn more on average than men in the profession.

Licensed optician salary – complete overview

• Average salary: 45 800 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 41,000 SEK/month (men), 44,700 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 46,500 SEK/month (both men and women)
• Hourly wage: 275 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 113% of what men do
• Regional differences: Data on regional differences are limited, but larger cities tend to offer slightly higher salaries and more career opportunities.

Education and qualifications

To work as a licensed optician, a university degree at the bachelor's level in optometry is required. The education includes both theoretical and practical components, where students gain knowledge about eye anatomy, visual physiology, optical instruments, and patient interaction. After completing the education, a license from the National Board of Health and Welfare is required to practice. Internships and supervised practical training are integral parts of the program.

• Formal degree: Bachelor's degree in optometry (3 years)
• License: Issued by the National Board of Health and Welfare after approved degree
• Internship: Practical training during studies
• Courses and continuing education: Opportunities for specialization in eye health and advanced optometry
• Prerequisites: Basic eligibility and specific science requirements

Common benefits and compensations

Licensed opticians often have access to benefits such as wellness allowances, subsidized work glasses, and professional development. Additional perks may include bonuses for sales targets, occupational pension schemes, and sometimes discounts on optical products. Employers often offer flexible working hours and opportunities for further training, contributing to an attractive work environment and good working conditions.

Competition and challenges

The competition in the job market for licensed opticians is generally moderate, with a steady number of available positions and relatively good employment prospects. However, challenges include regional differences, where metropolitan areas tend to have more positions and higher salaries than smaller towns. Technological advances increase demands for digital skills and the ability to handle advanced eye examination instruments. There is also increasing pressure on opticians to stay updated on eye health and new treatment methods, requiring continuous professional development. Meeting patients' high expectations for service and accurate advice is also a central challenge in the profession.

Tips for those who want to become a licensed optician

To succeed as a licensed optician, it is beneficial to have a strong sense of service and a genuine interest in people's well-being. Precision is crucial, as small mistakes can affect the patient's vision and quality of life. Being communicative and pedagogical facilitates explaining complex information to patients of different ages. Analytical thinking helps interpret examination results and choose appropriate actions. The ability to work systematically and handle multiple tasks simultaneously is also important, especially during high patient volumes. Flexibility and a willingness to continuously learn new skills enable adaptation to technological advances and changing working methods. Showing empathy and patience in patient interactions ultimately contributes to good and long-lasting relationships.

Key facts about licensed opticians

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in optometry (3 years) + license
• Work environment: Store, clinic, or private practice with high customer contact
• Typical employment: Privately employed official, often full-time
• Demand: 375 available jobs within the profession (2024)
• Special skills: Eye examinations, advising, eye health

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a licensed optician can develop into roles such as store manager, clinic supervisor, or specialist in areas like occupational medicine or pediatric optometry. Some choose to work in training future opticians or pursue research in vision and eye health. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service's forecast, there are no specific estimates for opticians, but the overall job market in healthcare is stable. There is a continuous need for opticians, especially with an aging population and increased awareness of eye health, indicating good future prospects. However, regional differences exist, and specialization can be a way to increase marketability.

Common questions about licensed opticians

• What does a licensed optician earn?
  - A licensed optician has an average salary of 45 800 SEK per month, with variations between 41,000 and 46,500 SEK depending on experience and workplace.
• How do you become a licensed optician?
  - It requires a bachelor's degree in optometry (3 years) and a license from the National Board of Health and Welfare.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn an average of 46,500 SEK while men earn 41,000 SEK per month, which means women earn 113% of men's salaries.
• What is the job market like for opticians?
  - The job market is stable with 375 available positions, but opportunities may vary regionally.
• What are the tasks of a licensed optician?
  - Tasks include eye examinations, fitting glasses and contact lenses, advising on eye health, and performing basic fundus examinations.
• What does it mean to be a privately employed official as an optician?
  - It means working within the private sector, often in a store or clinic, with fixed hours and collective agreements.
• Can I further my education as an optician?
  - Yes, there are good opportunities for further education and specialization in areas such as pediatric optometry, occupational medicine, or vision rehabilitation.