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Optometric Assistants perform a combination of tasks to assist the optometrist in eye examinations and corrective procedures.   

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION  

Optometric Assistants may : 

Obtain and record the patient's preliminary case history  

Maintain records, schedules, and announcements  

Perform bookkeeping and filing as well as other office work  

Prepare the patient for the vision examination  

Assist in various eye tests  

Instruct patients in the care and use of glasses or contact lenses  

Work with the patient in vision therapy, including eye exercises  

Assist the patient in frame selection  

Adjust and repair glasses and modify contact lenses  

Maintain an inventory of materials and clean instruments  

Help to make eye glasses or contact lenses  

If Optometric Assistants have completed the necessary formal educational training, they are known as Optometric Technicians.  

Click here to learn more about the Optometric Industry!

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include : 

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Optometric Assistants may specialize in these areas : 

079.364-014  OPTOMETRIC ASSISTANTS  

Perform a combination of tasks to assist the optometrist in eye examinations and corrective procedures. Depending on the size of the employer, Optometric Assistants may perform all or some of these tasks, or they may specialize in chairside assistance, visual training, or office administration. 

079.364-014  OPTOMETRIC TECHNICIANS  

Are Optometric Assistants who have completed a formal training program.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts: 

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS   

Optometric Assistants are supervised by an Optometrist. Their working conditions are usually pleasant and their work is not strenuous. 

Most work between 30 and 40 hours per week and some work a partial day on Saturday. 

Optometric Assistants may belong to the Michigan Optometric Association if they have graduated from an accredited 2-year technician program or are registered with the American Optometric Association .  

Association members must pay dues.  

You Should Prefer :

• Performing activities of a scientific and technical nature 

• Working for the presumed good of people  

You Should Be Able To :

• Relate to people involving more than giving or receiving instructions 

• Rate information using standards that can be measured or checked 

• Present a neat appearance 

• Respond courteously and tactfully to patients 

  Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve : 

A customer's face is 25 centimeters from ear to ear, how many millimeters is it?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend : 

An optical lens is made from some transparent material. One or both surfaces usually have spherical contour.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce : 

You should be able to write out directions for the care of a customers eye wear if he or she wishes.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate : 

You should be able to visualize different eyeglasses on people so you can help them choose the best pair of glasses.  

To become an Optometric Technician, successful completion of two years of college level training in Optometric Technicianry is required. The American Optometric Association maintains a registry of Optometric Assistants. To remain on the register, Assistants must complete at least 18 hours of continuing education every three years. Although registration is not required for employment, it is helpful in obtaining better positions.  

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES   

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education Classes or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation .

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***   

0600 BUSINESS , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY  

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***   

017   MEDICAL OFFICE CLUSTER

Approved vocational education programs in Medical Office Cluster prepare students to perform functions assigned by a physician in the physician's office or clinic. Students learn to perform such duties as answering the telephone, relaying messages, receiving and directing visitors, transcribing orders, and preparing requisition forms in the nursing unit of a hospital or other health care facility, under the supervision of a head nurse. 

  The following courses may be required for completion of this program: 

MEDICAL ASSISTING 

WARD CLERK  

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***   

123   OPTOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY  

Optometric Technology programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment performing many of the technical tasks related to the practice of optometry.  

Courses vary from school to school but may include : 

  Search for a College and/or Instructional Program   

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES ***   

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration Script.  

*** MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS ***   

Please check the Military web site at http://www.todaysmilitary.com.  

OPTOMETRIC TECHNICIANS  

Optometry, or vision care, is one of the many health benefits available to military personnel. The military operates its own clinics to examine eyes and fit glasses or contact lenses. Optometric technicians assist optometrist in providing vision care. They work with patients and manage clinic offices. 

What They Do   

Optometric technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties: 

• Perform screening tests of patients vision and record results 

• Order eyeglasses and contact lenses from prescriptions 

• Measure patients for eyeglass frames 

• Fit eyeglasses to patients 

• Make minor repairs to glasses 

• Place eye drops and ointment into patients eyes 

• Keep records in optometry offices  

Helpful Attributes   

Helpful school subjects include algebra, geometry, biology, and related courses. Helpful attributes include: 

• Interest in helping people 

• Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail 

• Ability to communicate effectively  

Training Provided   

Job training consists of 9 to 13 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in optometric procedures. Course content typically includes: 

• Preparing and fitting glasses and contact lenses 

• Vision testing 

• Maintenance of optometric instruments  

Further training occurs on the job . 

Physical Demands   

Normal color vision is required for some specialties to use optometric instruments.  

Work Environment  

Optometric technicians normally work in optometric clinics. 

Civilian Counterparts   

Civilian optometric technicians work in private optometry offices, clinics, and government health agencies. They perform duties similar to those performed by military optometric technicians. Optometric technicians are also called optometric assistants.  

Opportunities   

The services require new optometric technicians each year due to personnel changes and field demands. After training, new technicians give simple vision tests under close supervision and perform office duties. As they gain experience, they work with less supervision and perform more difficult tasks. In time, they may help to manage optometric clinics.    

E-Learning Courses and Programs   

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY   

Part-time positions as Optometric Assistants may be available and will provide experience. Secondary vocational education in medical office cluster and postsecondary programs in optometric assistant may offer co-op portions which give an opportunity for experience. You may gain experience through military service also.  

School-to-Work opportunities include : 

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Optometric Assistant employer  

internships  

volunteer work with an Optometric Assistant employer  

community service work with an agency  

Most Optometric Assistants enter this field by applying directly to employers. The American Optometric Association provides placement services through the Optometry's Career Center . Job assistance may also be obtained from Michigan Works! and school placement offices. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as: 

 You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Optometric Assistants vary by size, type, and geographic location of the employer as well as the worker's academic and technical qualifications, experience and job duties. In general, Assistants who also serve part time as therapists, opticians, contact lens technicians, and office managers earn higher salaries.  

Nationally, inexperienced Optometric Assistants earned hourly wages ranging between $7.39 and $27.00 (early 2008), with an average of $12.29 per hour. Some Optometric Assistants with five or more years of experience earned hourly wages from $8.75 to $32.00, with an average of $15.44 per hour. Michigan earnings are comparable to the national earnings.  

Optometric Assistants may also receive bonuses, commissions, and overtime pay in addition to regular earnings. 

Optometric Assistants may receive paid vacations and holidays; health and optical insurance; sick pay; paid leave for in-service training; retirement plans; and uniform allowances.  

Without additional education or training, Optometric Assistants cannot advance to a higher position in their field. However, they may advance in the sense of higher earnings. Those who obtain additional education may advance from Optometric Assistant, to Optometric Technician and then to Optician.  

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK   

The number of Optometric Assistants is not known. Employment of Optometric Assistants, however, is expected to increase because of an expected greater demand for eye care services, the recent enactment of legislation which allows Medicare to pay for many vision care services for the aged, the trend toward more frequent patient examinations, and the increased hiring of technically competent assistants by optometrists. There should be excellent opportunities for those who have completed formal training programs.  

The number of Optometric Assistants employed in Michigan is not known. Optometric Assistants in Michigan worked in private optometric practices, health clinics, for optical instrument manufacturers, and in government agencies. Many Optometric Assistants are women.  

The demand for well-trained Optometric Assistants is growing in Michigan as a result of the rise in the number of older persons and office workers, who are the most likely to need vision care services. There will be many opportunities for part time work. Optometric Assistants who have completed formal training programs should have excellent opportunities. However, on-the-job training will continue to be a good way to enter this occupation.  

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.  

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