Check to be sure that your optician is a member in good standing with the local trade organization for his or her profession, as well as the local chamber of commerce. A lack of good standing should give you pause before deciding to go with them.

Remember, in the U.S. an optician isn't an eye doctor -- he's just the guy who helps you select and fit your new eyeglasses or contacts. If you need an eye exam, you'll need to visit with either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, and only the last one's an MD.

Finding an optician may be as simple as going to your local mall; there's almost always an eyecare clinic there. However, even though an optician's perhaps the lowest rung on the optical care ladder, you should still take a little time and shop around before you choose one.