OPTOMETRIC ASSISTANT/TECHNICIAN
Optometric assistants (OAs) and optometric technicians (OTs) perform a variety of tasks for the optometrist which enables the optometrist to have more time for patient care. Assistants/technicians often prepare the patients for tests, they may put drops in the patient’s eyes and/or seat the patient at the eye-testing machine. They administer eye exercises and treatments to patients under the supervision of optometrists. In some offices, they may help people choose their glasses and adjust them for proper fit. Clerical duties such as, bookkeeping, scheduling appointments, filing, and maintaining medical records may also be performed by optometric assistants/technicians.
HOW DO I BECOME AN OPTOMETRIC ASSISTANT/TECHNICIAN?
Optometric assistants may be trained on-the-job by optometrists. Formal training programs usually consist of one-year certificate programs for assistants and two-year associate degree programs for technicians.
Optometric assistants must take and pass the National Optometric Assistant Registry exam to become registered optometric assistants. Optometric technicians must successfully complete the Optometric Technician Registry exam. A registered optometric technician will have the Opt.T.R designation.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Most optometric assistants/technicians work in offices and laboratories. Some work in health clinics or for government agencies, while others may be employed by optical instrument companies. Work hours may vary but are generally 40-hours a week and may include some evening and weekend work.
JOB OUTLOOK
The employment outlook is excellent as more opticians are using assistants/technicians in their practices as the demand for eye care grows.
PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES:
American Optometric Association
243 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63141
(800) 365- 2219
www.aoa.org