Optical assistants work closely with customers and need to clearly explain eyeglass options.
Many community colleges and technical schools offer optical assistant programs. The AOA also grants the Certified Paraoptometric Assistant designation. Optical assistants also show customers how to properly care for glasses or contact lenses. Learn how to become an optical assistant. Customer service is an important part of the job as optical assistants need to have effective communication and people skills. You'll take a comprehensive look at the diverse world of optical assisting. In some states, assistants who've completed a state-approved postsecondary program and passed the ABO and NCLE certification exams qualify for optician licensure. Since the optical technician often sees a patient before the doctor does, she sets the tone for how the patient views the office, including the level of professionalism, helpfulness and friendliness of the staff. For that reason, optical assistants are expected to keep up with all the changes and advances in eyewear. While the job duties require providing assistance, there are other tasks that are more independent in nature. The exact nature of the job will vary depending on the type of employer. The job advertised was for experienced optical assistant, however the job that was being interviewed for was a clerical optical assistant, i.e. They are often the ones that have to explain the functionality and look of eyewear to customers. Much of this growth can be attributed to an aging population and a rise in demand for medical services and fashionable eyeglasses. An optical assistant responds to this need by creating a file for the patient and taking down their history.
© copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. This can set the tone for the entire experience. Jones has been writing professionally for three years. (Be an Optical Assistant: Education and Career Roadmap.) That could impact the overall opinion of the business, as well as the optometrist or ophthalmologist. Clinical experiences are included in some programs. Optical assistants need strong communication, customer service and management skills, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is the part where you link your skills, experience, education and your personality to the job itself. Students can earn a certificate, which takes a year, or an associate degree, which takes two years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Prior experience as an assistant in a medical setting is also preferred by most employers.Most states have no formal requirements when it comes to an optical assistant being certified. All rights reserved. Most times, customers will return to the main area of the vision care center, where they will once again require the help of an optical assistant. An employer will typically have an experienced assistant teach new employees how to perform the tasks listed above. A few organizations offer voluntary certification in this field, including the While employment opportunities are available through optometrist offices, other locations that hire optical assistants include health and personal care stores and physicians' offices.
While there are usually no formal educational requirements for being an assistant, some employers may favor applicants who have completed at least an Associates Degree at a community college, vocational school, or technical training facility. Common topics in these postsecondary programs include eye anatomy, contact lens dispensing, medical terminology, spectacle design, and human relations. Optical assistants may also be responsible for keeping records and handling the money for the optical office or store.Liz Jones is a freelance writer with extensive experience in a variety of areas, including digital imaging and the food industry. This level of certification also requires that an assistant pass a written exam. (2020, Apr 28 of publication). Learn about interview questions and interview process for 13 companies. This gives the student a chance to apply what he learned in class to real world situations.An aspiring optical assistant needs to be reliable and determined since he may essentially run the store for the optician. managing clinics not dispensing glasses. They must also listen carefully to customers and provide the best solution for their customers' needs. 1. Both programs offer courses in optics, eye physiology, optical equipment, CPR and business management.Optical assistants need manual dexterity to work with the small tools involved in adjusting eyeglass frames.