Augenoptiker/Augenoptikerin

Opticians are trained in the dual system. Learning locations are the training company (usually optical craft businesses): workshops, sales rooms, and the vocational school (Berufsschule): classrooms. If companies cannot provide all required training content, parts of the training can be moved to inter-company training centers.

Occupation type: Recognized vocational training (Ausbildung) occupation. Type of training: Dual training (Ausbildung) in a craft (regulated by training ordinance). Training duration: 3 years. Learning locations: Training company and vocational school (Berufsschule) (dual training). What does one do in this profession? Opticians assist their customers in choosing glasses that suit them both fashionably and optically. Upon request, they first conduct eye tests. When selecting lenses, they provide information about materials, e.g., glass or plastic, and about finishing options such as tints, coatings, or blue light filters. Once the customer has decided on a model, opticians measure eye and vertex distances and note them in the order. In the workshop, they align lenses according to their center (centration), grind them, and precisely insert them into the frames. They adjust the finished glasses to their customers, e.g., by heating and bending the temples. They provide information about.

Job title: Optician. Occupation type: Recognized vocational training (Ausbildung) occupation. Training duration: 3 years. What does one do in this profession? Opticians assist their customers in choosing glasses that suit them both fashionably and optically. Upon request, they first conduct eye tests. When selecting lenses, they provide information about materials, e.g., glass or plastic, and about finishing options such as tints, coatings, or blue light filters. Once the customer has decided on a model, opticians measure eye and vertex distances and note them in the order. In the workshop, they align lenses according to their center (centration), grind them, and precisely insert them into the frames. They adjust the finished glasses to their customers, e.g., by heating and bending the temples. They provide information about the care of glasses and explain to inexperienced individuals how to use contact lenses. In addition to visual aids and accessories such as cleaning.

3 years

The training is carried out simultaneously in the training company and at the vocational school (Berufsschule). Vocational school (Berufsschule) classes take place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpt from the training framework plan and the curriculum framework: 1st - 18th month of training: Training in the company and, if necessary, in inter-company courses: Processing and mounting spectacle lenses. Maintaining tools and machines. Modifying and repairing glasses. Assessing spectacle lenses, contact lenses, and magnifying visual aids according to optical properties and effects. Advising customers and offering services. Optically and anatomically adjusting glasses. Dispensing visual aids. Selling goods. 1st and 2nd year of training: Training in the vocational school (Berufsschule) in the learning fields: 1st year of training: Presenting the company and the job profile. Checking and incorporating single-vision spectacle lenses. Explaining eye test results. Offering and selling additional products and contact lens care products. 2nd year of training: Repairing or modifying glasses.

No costs are incurred for carrying out the training. The training company provides the training materials required for the practical part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, apprentices must bear the costs of learning materials for vocational school (Berufsschule) classes and for work clothing themselves. In addition, costs may arise if training locations are far from the place of residence. Funding opportunities: In certain life situations, apprentices can receive vocational training assistance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe). Further information: Vocational Training Assistance (BAB).

During the vocational training (Ausbildung), trainees learn how to manually and machine-process spectacle lenses and insert them into full-rim spectacle frames. They also learn how to assess damage to spectacles, determine the repair effort and costs. Understanding customer wishes in sales discussions, adjusting spectacle frames according to anatomical conditions, grooving, drilling, filing, milling, polishing, and mounting spectacle lenses into rimless glasses are also part of the training. They learn to differentiate contact lenses by material properties and assess the effects of contact lens correction. Analyzing the correction needs, considering visual acuity (Visus), anatomy, and physiology, especially for myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism (corneal curvature), and presbyopia (age-related long-sightedness), is also covered. Checking the centering of spectacles, handling customer complaints, and performing calculations are also part of the curriculum.

For this vocational training (Ausbildung), one should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: In the company, practical participation (under guidance) includes tasks such as conducting eye tests, processing and fitting spectacle lenses, and repairing spectacles. The environment in workshops may involve vapors and grinding dust, while sales rooms require customer contact. Working hours typically include Saturdays. Requirements include manual dexterity (e.g., for fine craftsmanship in processing visual aids or performing repairs), meticulousness (e.g., when determining refractive errors through eye tests), observational accuracy (e.g., when checking the correct fit of spectacles), and customer orientation and communication skills (e.g., when advising and serving customers). At the vocational school (Berufsschule), classes are held one or two days a week or in block instruction.

Trainees can complete parts of their vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad. For example, they can undertake internships in various European countries. An internship abroad as part of the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" (European Assistant) lasts at least 3 weeks. The prerequisite for access is a secondary school leaving certificate. Further information on the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" is available.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. If the training takes place in a school-based form (e.g., at a vocational college or in the 1st year of training as a vocational basic training year BGJ), no training allowance is paid. For example, in the optical trade (monthly gross - depending on the Bundesland (federal state)): 1st year of training: 724 € to 880 €, 2nd year of training: 854 € to 980 €, 3rd year of training: 977 € to 1,100 €. These figures are for orientation only; no claims can be derived from them. For more information, please check BERUFENET.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Mathematics, for example, to calculate the optical effect and geometry of spectacle lenses. Physics, for example, to understand the physical principles of light refraction. Biology, for example, to perform anatomical spectacle adjustments. German, for example, to handle correspondence with health insurance companies.

The additional qualification "Betriebsassistent/in im Handwerk" (Business Assistant in Crafts) is aimed at trainees with a technical college entrance qualification or a university entrance qualification. Trainees acquire commercial knowledge parallel to their craft training. They attend additional vocational school (Berufsschule) classes, e.g., in accounting or economics. They also pass the examination to become a specialist in commercial business management (HwO) and demonstrate successful participation in foreign language instruction. The responsible Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer) provides further information, e.g., HWK Düsseldorf – Business Assistant. The additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" (European Assistant) is aimed at trainees with at least a secondary school leaving certificate. It expands the initial training with intercultural competencies and offers trainees the opportunity to improve foreign language skills. For this purpose, trainees attend additional vocational school classes, e.g., in European Commercial and Economic Law.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of optician: In the field of medical and rehabilitation technology, you can become a hearing aid acoustician, orthopedic technician, or dental technician. The commonality of these professions is adapting, manufacturing, and selling medical-technical aids. In the field of optoelectronics and optics, you can become a process mechanic for spectacle optics or a precision optician. The commonality of these professions is manufacturing optical products, for example, grinding, polishing, and fitting lenses. In the field of medicine, you can become an orthoptist. The commonality of this profession is conducting eye tests and advising customers/patients, for example, on suitable visual aids.

In 1934, the profession was first listed in the directory of trades that can be practiced as a craft. In 1997, the Ausbildung (vocational training) regulation for the profession of Augenoptiker/in (Optician) came into force under the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act), and the profession received state recognition. In 2011, the Ausbildung regulation was modernized, emphasizing customer consultation and needs analysis during the Ausbildung. In 2020, the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO) were amended, including the introduction of a minimum Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration and the expansion of the possibility to complete Ausbildung in Teilzeit (part-time). In 2024, the Berufsbildungsvalidierungs- und -digitalisierungsgesetz (Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act) came into force with adjustments to the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO). These adjustments include the legal anchoring of the possibility of digital mobile Ausbildung and the introduction of an assessment and certification procedure (vocational validation) for individual professional competence based on the standard of a recognized Ausbildung profession, independent of formal vocational qualifications.

Augenoptiker/in (Optician) is a 3-year recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in the skilled trades.

Degree title: Augenoptiker/Augenoptikerin (Optician)

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for Ausbildung starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician craft (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: 880 €, 2nd Ausbildung year: 980 €, 3rd Ausbildung year: 1,070 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of April 2024. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Apprentices must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for Ausbildung starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician craft (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung year: 800 €, 2nd Ausbildung year: 950 €, 3rd Ausbildung year: 1,100 €. Source: Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen (Recommendation), as of July 2024. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician trade (monthly gross): 1st year: 860 €, 2nd year: 980 €, 3rd year: 1,100 €. Source: Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen (recommendation), as of January 2025. This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician trade (monthly gross): 1st year: 800 €, 2nd year: 950 €, 3rd year: 1,100 €. Source: Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen (recommendation), as of July 2024. This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician trade (monthly gross): 1st year: 830 €, 2nd year: 950 €, 3rd year: 1,050 €. Source: Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen (recommendation), as of July 2024. This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician trade (monthly gross): 1st year: 724 €, 2nd year: 854 €, 3rd year: 977 €. Source: Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen (recommendation), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for training starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician trade (monthly gross): 1st year: 800 €, 2nd year: 950 €, 3rd year: 1,100 €. Source: Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen (recommendation), as of August 2023. This information is for orientation only; no claims can be derived from it.

Improve opportunities with additional qualifications: Future opticians can enhance their chances by acquiring additional qualifications during their Ausbildung (vocational training), e.g., as a business assistant in crafts or in European commercial and economic law through the 'Europaassistent/in' qualification. Find suitable employment: After their training, opticians primarily work in optician craft businesses. Secure employability: Through adaptive further training, one can keep their specialized knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from optics to online marketing. Advance professionally: Upward further training helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions. It is logical to take the examination as an Augenoptikermeister/in (master optician). With a university entrance qualification, one can also pursue a Studium (university degree) and, for example, obtain a bachelor's degree.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician craft (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 724 €, 2nd year of training: 854 €, 3rd year of training: 977 €. Source: Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen) (recommendation), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician craft (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 724 €, 2nd year of training: 854 €, 3rd year of training: 977 €. Source: Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen) (recommendation), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

In 2024, there were 2,406 new Ausbildung (vocational training) starters. 57 percent had a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss), and 26 percent had a university entrance qualification (Hochschulreife). 15 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss, and 1 percent did not have a Hauptschulabschluss. Source: The information is based on data from the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training's (Bundesinstitut für Berufsbildung - BIBB) trainee data system (DAZUBI).

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician craft (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 860 €, 2nd year of training: 980 €, 3rd year of training: 1,100 €. Source: Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen) (recommendation), as of January 2025. This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician craft (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 724 €, 2nd year of training: 854 €, 3rd year of training: 977 €. Source: Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen) (recommendation), as of January 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician craft (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 800 €, 2nd year of training: 950 €, 3rd year of training: 1,100 €. Source: Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen) (recommendation), as of July 2024. This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

Legal regulations and recommendations for this vocational training (Ausbildung) exist. These include the Regulation on Vocational Training for Opticians (Augenoptiker-Ausbildungsverordnung - AugenoptAusbV) from 26.04.2011 and the Framework Curriculum for the Optician Vocational Training (Beschluss der Kultusministerkonferenz) from 25.03.2011.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician trade in the state of Baden-Württemberg, the monthly gross allowances are: 1st year: 800 €, 2nd year: 950 €, 3rd year: 1,100 €. This information is based on recommendations from the Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen), as of July 2024, and is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician trade in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, the monthly gross allowances are: 1st year: 860 €, 2nd year: 980 €, 3rd year: 1,100 €. This information is based on recommendations from the Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen), as of January 2025, and is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

Legally, no specific prior education is required.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician trade in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen), the monthly gross allowances are: 1st year: 800 €, 2nd year: 910 €, 3rd year: 1,020 €. This information is based on recommendations from the Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen), as of July 2024, and is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For trainings starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum remuneration. For example, in the optician trade in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the monthly gross allowances are: 1st year: 750 €, 2nd year: 854 €, 3rd year: 977 €. This information is based on recommendations from the Central Association of Opticians and Optometrists (Zentralverband der Augenoptiker und Optometristen), as of January 2026, and is for orientation purposes only; no claims can be derived from it.