Isn't an optometrist assistant the same as an optician? No insult intended, just curious if and what the difference might be? I have been a member of a local Lion's Club for over 48 years. I think I was at the time one of the youngest members ever. The main thing I did was collecting the donated glasses from about 40 locations in the area. Because of that I got to know a number of the opticians and they taught me a great deal about optics. Enough that I was asked more than once about becoming an optician. If I wasn't already making good money in the printing business I would have likely taken them up on there offer. I'm also a long time member of a glasses forum called "Vision & Spex" You might find it of interest to you.