Retail · EFZ
Optician EFZ
Fit glasses and advise on vision aids.
About this profession
Fit glasses and advise on vision aids. Over 4 years you learn this profession in a host company, at the vocational school and in inter-company courses. At the end you receive a nationally recognised Federal VET Diploma (EFZ).
Day-to-day responsibilities
- ›Determine visual acuity and fit glasses
- ›Advise customers on lenses and frames
- ›Perform minor repairs on eyewear
- ›Process orders and manage inventory
Skills you'll need
A typical week as an apprentice
Host company
3–4 days/week — you learn the trade hands-on alongside experienced professionals.
Vocational school
1–2 days/week — general education plus job-specific theory.
Inter-company courses (üK)
Several blocks per year — practise core techniques together with other apprentices.
Where you'll work
Shops, department stores, specialist boutiques and the related online operations.
Entry requirements
- Completed compulsory school (Sek A or B, depending on profession). Strong school report in relevant subjects helps.
- A 'Schnupperlehre' (1–5 day taster) is the best way to find out if the profession suits you.
What you earn at the end
Federal VET Diploma (EFZ) — a nationally recognised qualification that opens doors to higher VET (HF), the vocational baccalaureate (BM) and universities of applied sciences.
Apprentice wage
Typical monthly gross wage (CHF). Actual wages vary by sector and region.
Year 1
CHF 700 – 900/ Mt.
Year 2
CHF 900 – 1’150/ Mt.
Year 3
CHF 1’200 – 1’550/ Mt.
Year 4
CHF 1’500 – 1’950/ Mt.
Future-readiness
Score 4/5Our take
Demand remains stable; automation affects routine tasks, but requires adaptability and specialized expertise from opticians.
Sources
Early contract endings in this field
Across Retail apprenticeships, roughly 25–32% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.
Further education & career
- Federal professional examination (e.g., Optician with Federal Diploma)
- Higher technical college for optometry
- Vocational baccalaureate and university of applied sciences (e.g., Optometry)
- Specialization (e.g., contact lens fitting)
Learn more
Official sources and further information about this profession.