Most people use the term optician when speaking of the person who does their sight test. Actually it is an optometrist who examines your eyes and writes your spectacle or contact lens prescription. The dispensing optician is the person who assists you with your spectacles and makes the prescription in your spectacles. Sometimes a contact lens optician may be the one who fits and checks your contact lenses.
I am from the USA - from Georgia, to be exact, hence the Southern twang, but most recently I lived in Florida.
Optometrists in America treat many eye conditions and prescribe medications - mostly what only hospital eye consultants and specialist optometrists can do here in the UK. Thus a doctorate degree is required - that's right - 2 degrees and 8 years of university.