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Optometric Technician
Optometric technicians and assistants help optometrists. They do routine tasks so that the optometrists can make full use of their professional skills to help their patients. Since optometric technicians have more education than optometric assistants, they tend to do more exacting work. Both technicians and assistants are important to optometrists.
| Some of their responsibilities may include: |
| • | Testing patients for far and near vision, depth perception, visual fields, eye movement, and color perception by using appropriate instruments |
| • | Measuring the pressure within the eye that may point to glaucoma (a cause of blindness) |
| • | Dispensing optical materials |
| • | Checking lenses for dimensions and putting them in frames; -heating, shaping, and adjusting frames for fit |
| • | Helping patients perform vision therapy exercises |
Optometric technicians and assistants, also known as paraoptometrics, often perform the same duties. They always work under the direction of optometrists. Besides working with patients, paraoptometrics may do office work. They schedule appointments, type letters and bills, keep records, file paperwork, etc. In the laboratory they clean instruments and inventory supplies.
Job Outlook
The growing population and the higher proportion of older people, who require the most eye care, are increasing the demand for optometrists. Most are expanding their practice and as a result are employing optometric technicians and assistants to help care for their patients. The outlook for technicians and assistants who have completed formal study is excellent.
Educational Requirements
To become optometric technicians, students must have a high school education. They should take biology, algebra, typing, bookkeeping, and English. Formal studies available include a two-year technician program which combines technical studies with general education courses, and a one-year program of study to prepare students for immediate employment as assistants in an optometrist's office or in a vision clinic. Studies may include ocular anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
Personnel with the required training and experience can take an examination to become registered with the National Paraoptometric Registry. They may earn the title Registered Optometric Technician (Opt. T., R.). The College of Optometrists in Vision Development has a program to certify optometric vision therapy technicians.
Educational Programs - Midwest
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