Optometric Technician/Optometric Assistant

THE JOB

As a profession, optometry deals with problems of human vision.  Helping 
optometrists with this work are paraprofessionals such as OPTOMETRIC 
TECHNICIANS and OPTOMETRIC ASSISTANTS.

Optometric Technicians are trained to assist the optometrist.  Their duties 
are diversified.  They assist in testing patients' vision, providing frame 
styling services, and instructing patients in contact lens handling.  They 
administer vision therapy programs prescribed by the optometrist.

Optometric Technicians inform the patient of what is involved in examination 
and treatment procedures, eliminate unnecessary fears and build the 
patient's confidence in the treatment program.  Some technicians do 
laboratory work, modify conventional contact lenses, keep inventories of 
clinical materials and maintain instruments.  Some have office management 
responsibilities.  In all cases these duties are performed under the 
supervision and guidance of the employing optometrist.

Optometric Assistants' tasks are generally less extensive and less complex 
than those of the Optometric Technician.  Assistants keep records, act as 
receptionists, assist with frame selection, and order prescribed lenses.  
They may do limited vision testing.  Assistants also may provide patients 
with instructions on the handling of different types of contact and 
spectacle lenses.

Although many of the duties of Optometric Technicians and Optometric 
Assistants are similar, the primary difference between the two lies in their 
education.  Optometric Assistants are usually trained on the job by their 
employers; Optometric Technicians have extensive formal training that 
prepares them to handle non routine situations.

The specific duties of all Optometric Technicians and Assistants are 
determined by the employing optometrist, with the general trend being to 
assign the non repetitive, complex tasks to the technicians who have the 
necessary technical educational background.  In large practices, 
paraprofessionals may specialize in one or more of the following areas: 
contact lenses, vision therapy, chair side assistance, spectacle fabrication 
and dispensing, or office administration.  Those employed in smaller 
practices may participate in many or all of these duties.

Most para-optometric employees work for optometrists engaged in private 
practice.  Some are employed in clinics, government agencies, health 
maintenance organizations, and various branches of the armed services.  
Others specialize in the design and marketing of eye glasses and contact 
lenses, while some work in industrial settings improving job safety, 
efficiency, and productivity through vision-care programs.  A few serve as 
faculty members teaching student technicians.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Optometric Assistants and Technicians can expect to work in clean, well 
lighted, pleasant surroundings.  Although the work is not physically 
demanding, some standing is required.  Attention to detail is necessary.

The standard work week is 40 hours.  In some practices, the paraprofessional 
person may work a few hours on Saturdays or evenings, with corresponding 
time off during the week.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment 
published by the Labor Market Information Division.  The figures represent 
the broad occupational group Health Care Professionals and 
para-professionals, not elsewhere classified, which includes Optometric 
Technicians and Assistants.

Estimated number of workers in 1990                 37,960
Estimated number of workers in 2005                 53,820
Projected Growth 1990-2005                             42%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005        6,160

(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)

Employment prospects for qualified Optometric Technicians and Optometric 
Assistants are favorable, due to population growth, the increase in the 
proportion of older persons and a greater demand for vision-care services.  
Opportunities for trained Optometric Technicians are greatest in the largest 
urban areas, where more optometrists are located and where there are more 
large-scale optometric practices.  Most job openings for Optometric 
Assistants will be filled by people without formal training.  The employers 
surveyed reported an adequate supply of qualified applicants.  
Para-optometric educational programs train an adequate number of technicians 
and assistants.

In addition to job openings resulting from increased demand for these 
workers, many openings will occur because of the need to replace workers who 
transfer to other kinds of work, retire, or otherwise leave the labor force.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Earnings of para-optometric personnel vary by geographic region, academic 
and technical qualifications, and the nature of the employing practice.

Salaries for Optometric Assistants range from about $900 to $2,100 a month.  
Salaries of Optometric Technicians range from $1,250 to $2,500 per month.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Optometric Assistants, for the most part, develop their skills through on-the-
job training by their employers.  Requirements include completion of high 
school, or its equivalent, preferably including courses in English, math, 
typing, and bookkeeping.  Manual dexterity, a neat appearance, and 
tactfulness in dealing with patients are valuable assets for success on the 
job.

While Optometric Assistants usually develop their skills through on-the-job 
training by employers, preparation for a career as an Optometric Technician 
traditionally requires formal training offered by a para-optometric 
educational program.  However, since there are few educational programs 
available in California, on-the-job training is increasingly common for both 
Optometric Technicians and Optometric Assistants.  Available educational 
programs vary with institutions, as do admission requirements, although the 
latter usually include graduation from high school with courses in 
mathematics and typewriting.


FINDING THE JOB

Applicants should apply directly with practicing optometrists, clinics, and 
health maintenance organizations.  Graduates of formal training programs have 
the use of placement services provided by their schools.  Openings may also 
be listed at California Employment Development Department Job Service 
offices and in newspaper classified ads.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

California Optometric Association
801 12th Street
P.O. Box 2591
Sacramento, CA  95812
(916) 441-3990


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Dental Assistants                             No.  27
Nurse Aide/Nursing Assistants                 No. 442
Physical Therapy Aides and Assistants         No. 451


OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Optometric Assistant                       079.364-014

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Health Care Professionals, Paraprofessionals
   and Technicians, NSC                         329990


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department, 
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group, 
         (916) 262-2162.