83alx

I'm an optician that has the same exact problem as you and... well, I don't think there's much we can do about it. You could use isopropyl alcohol to really clean off all the oils and greases which will keep them cleaner a little bit longer, but you're probably still going to have the same problems. This might sound kind of silly, but I have one cloth that I use to wipe off dirt/smudges/grease/sweat, spray them down, then use another cloth on the "cleanish" lenses.

Just apply. Seriously. You have all the fitting knowledge, the rest comes with experience.

The difference is huge. You're not having to meet sales goals, you're actually giving the patient what they need in a low pressure environment. It's nice when you're not looked at as a salesperson anymore.

You definitely have a lot to learn about progressive lenses. The ECCA progressives? High Definition? MyFocal? They're terrible. Varilux and Zeiss progressives are the industry leaders and they're 12393241 times better. Again, this just comes from getting to know the lenses and talking with the lab representatives (whether it be a Zeiss, Essilor, or independent lab).

The really fun part? Meeting with representatives from the different frame manufacturers. On top of getting a nice discount on any frames you order as an employee, you get to sit down with them and choose which models you'll carry and what not. Also you get the sneak peek at new frames every now and then.

Ordering? There's a lot more follow through. For one, it's not a simple POS system. You're typically going to use a computer program, but sometimes the phone to call orders in directly to whatever labs you're working with. But with insurance, many companies you'll actually submit orders through the insurance companies and file claims yourself. VSP, Eyemed, Spectera... these orders are all done on their websites. Some like Blockvision or Superior just require billing and they're really simple.

edit: Since this post is so visible, http://finance.yahoo.com/news/most-highly-recommended-job-america-214418161.html

Optical is such an easy field to get into and being an optician is fantastic. There's a lot to learn, but that comes with time. I'd recommend the job to anyone.

Personal favorite:

"What are you doing skinny? What are you doing you fat piece of shit?"

WHAT!?

It's definitely something you can turn into a career. I thought long and hard about it (I was starting at $15/hr with the potential to rise), but graphic design is my true passion and I just got hired onto a design firm.

Where about in Texas are you by the way? DFW?