How to Become an Optometrist Assistant
Optometric assistants schedule appointments and help the optometrist during appointments by putting drops in patients' eyes, teaching them eye exercises, showing them how to use contac lenses, and fitting eyeglasses to patients. Some do bookkeeping and clerical work. Though most are trained on the job, many are taking training programs and becoming certified optometric assistants.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Earn your high school diploma ar GED. Ask optometrists and health clinics in your area if they offer on the job training. Visit your local employment office to see if anyone in your area is hiring optometric assistants. Check job sites on the Internet and classified ads in newspapers.
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2
Complete a one year internship with an optometrist and find a government job. To become an optometric assistant for a government agency, visit the USA Jobs website, type in "optometric assistant" and the location you want to work in under "Search Jobs." A list of jobs will come on, and you can click on any of them for more information.
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3
Sign up for a one year program at a local technical school or college. Take classes in medical procedures, office and secretarial skills. Visit your school placement office for job tips.
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4
Contact the Paraoptometric Section of the American Optometric Association to set up a time and place to take written exams. Pass the exams to become certified.
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5
Enjoy working with people, be accurate, and learn to carefully handle breakable material and tools. Optometrists are more likely to hire you if you fit that description.
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6
Apply for jobs with optometrists who specialize in a certain eye care field. Working for a specialist can mean higher pay.
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