Does the profession of optician still attract?
While the demand for optics is stronger every year, and myopia has become one of the evils of our century, the number of students enrolled in the BTS Optique- Eyewear keeps falling. Based on this observation, we asked ourselves the following question: is the profession of optician still attractive?
The profession of optician in a vocational crisis?
Since 2016, there has been a sharp decline in enrollment in BTS Optics-Lunetterie . Another indicator, the average age of opticians is rising. It was enough to wonder if the profession of optician was losing its attractiveness. Judging by the numbers, that is undeniably the case. But for what reason, when for some time now he has been recognized as an essential healthcare and business professional?
This is firstly due to his history. The training to become an optician was created in order to regulate the sale of optical products, of which many individuals, in the 20th century, became specialists. The latter, sometimes unscrupulous, will damage the image of the optician.
Then, in the 90s, there was the rush to open shops. Problem: there is a shortage of opticians. The need for training is felt and the latter suffers from too light a reference system. Result: the number of graduates exposes and leads to a first drop in income.
Other factors explain this loss of attractiveness of the optician profession. Some of them are subject to smear campaigns, and administrative developments in the health sector are not always helpful. Moreover, the prospects for development are limited: the only real development consists in opening your own point of sale.
The health crisis, the starting point for professional questioning
The Covid-19 crisis has had an impact on our relationship with the world of work. The generalization of teleworking, the forced break time due to confinements, or the characterization of “essential or non-essential businesses” have reshuffled the cards. Does our work have meaning? This crisis has led to questions about our professional life in all sectors. Of course, the profession of optician has not been spared and retraining has exploded.
According to Essentials of Optics, "we leave optics mainly because the reality of practices no longer corresponds to the personal commitment to a profession which is also a passion." And the numbers speak for themselves. 98% of converts think they made the right decision.
An exciting job based on solid foundations
The optician profession is therefore reaching a turning point in its existence, and must bet on winning back young people entering the job market. Also, while the BTS OL reference system is now of recognized and undeniable quality, it must refocus on the practices of an exciting profession that can offer a lot, and whose usefulness is well established.[= ]
It is also a job where innovation and research have their place. Many opticians also highlight the exciting side of their profession. It is from this base that this vocation will be able to emerge from the crisis in which it seems plunged.
