Optometrist Assistant Job Description
Optometrist assistants perform various administrative and clinical functions depending on the size of the practice and the specialty of the medical practitioner. Optometrist technicians perform additional clinical duties, which require specialized training. A position as an optometrist assistant provides an excellent steppingstone for people interested in pursuing a career as an optometrist, but have limited initial medical training.
Other People Are Reading
-
Educational Requirements
-
Optometric assistants perform many administrative tasks A college degree is not required for entry-level positions as an optometrist assistant, but many vocational schools offer courses in medical assisting and related fields. According to stateuniversity.com, many optometrist assistants receive on-the-job training. Formal training and certification programs for positions as optometrist assistants are available at some technical schools and colleges. The American Optometric Association offers a certification program for optometrist assistants. A listing of accredited schools offering courses for optometrist assistant and technician training is available on the American Optometric Association website. According to thinkquest.org, a two-year associate's degree is required to become an optometrist technician.
Job Duties
-
Optometrist assistants perform administrative and clinical duties to prepare patients for eye examinations and vision therapy. Administrative duties include scheduling appointments, preparing correspondence, documenting preliminary case history, maintaining and filing records. Clinical duties include such tasks as testing the patient for color and depth perception, near and far acuity, visual field and macular integrity. Additional duties include instructing the patient in the proper care of glasses and contact lens, adjusting and repairing glasses and assisting in the selecting of frames. An optometrist assistant also cleans instruments, maintains and controls inventory and assists in fabrication and modification of eyeglasses and contact lens.
-
Work Environment
-
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), optometrist assistants and technicians typically work in clean office or clinic environments and interact with the public on a regular basis. Assistants should be well groomed and possess good communication and people skills. Work schedules may be part or full time depending on the hours of operation and needs of the medical office.
Employment Outlook
-
The BLS projected employment opportunities for medical assistants throughout the health care profession would be among the fastest growing occupations from 2008 to 2018. Opportunities for optometrist assistants and optometrist technicians will increase as the population ages and creates a greater demand for eye and vision care.
Earnings
-
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual earnings for medical assistants, including optometrist assistants, during the reporting period of May 2008 was $28,300.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit retinascope and trial frame image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com medical consent form image by Keith Frith from Fotolia.com
