What does an optometric assistant do?

Optometric assistants help with the smooth running of the optometrist practice. Their assistance with secondary tasks ensures that optometrists can devote more appointment time to patients’ vision issues.  

Other than receptionists, optometric assistants are often a patient’s first contact with your office. That means they impact the impression patients have of the eye care practice. Their demeanor and efficiency can be a factor in whether a new patient becomes a returning patient.

Optometric assistant skills and qualifications

A high-quality candidate will be adept at the technical, medical and affective components of patient care. Medical, technical and clerical skills to look for include the ability to use:

• Vision-care equipment typical in an optometrist office

• Vital sign equipment (e.g., blood pressure)

• Computer programs for patient record keeping

Your candidate should also exhibit these affective qualities:

• Interpersonal skills

• Ability to take direction

• Empathy

Optometric assistant experience requirements

Even if candidates don’t have experience in an optometrist’s office, some experience working in a medical office helps. Candidates interested in an optometric assistant career may have a background assisting in the office of a different field, such as a dental or a doctor’s office. That gives them experience with medical terminology, working with standard equipment (such as blood pressure monitors) and interacting with patients.

Part of an optometric technician’s duties are clerical, so experience in an office environment is also useful. That’s especially true of office experience in record-keeping.

Optometric assistant education and training requirements

Typical educational requirements to look for on resumes for optometric technician candidates will be a high school diploma as well as a post-secondary certificate or on-the-job training program. A bachelor’s degree isn’t usually required, but some candidates may have an associate’s degree in medical assistance from a community college.

Even candidates who do not have a certificate may have gone through on-the-job training programs in previous positions.

Any of these backgrounds serves as acceptable education for candidates you’re considering for an optometric assistant position.

Optometric assistant salary expectations

According to Indeed salaries, the average salary for an optometric assistant is $16.97 per hour. That figure, of course, varies according to experience. You can expect to pay an entry-level rate to candidates who need on-the-job training. If your candidate has a post-secondary certificate and years of experience, expect to offer a higher salary.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this job description isn’t quite what you’re looking for, explore similar job descriptions, such as

• Medical assistant

• Dental assistants

• Medical office assistant

Optometric assistant job description FAQs

What classes should candidates without certificates ideally have taken? 

It helps if candidates have taken medical terminology classes. This reduces the initial confusion that might arise from the jargon used in an optometry or any medical practice.

Interpersonal communication classes also benefit those working in the front-facing position of a medical office. Positive early patient interactions are important to the practice in establishing a good reputation.

Should I only consider optometric technician candidates who have post-secondary certificates?

Limiting the search to certificate holders may not be the best strategy, depending on your office needs. While post-secondary certificates are more common, on-the-job training is also typical. Candidates who have been trained in a medical office have the knowledge for the job and the experience interacting with patients.

If I have a receptionist, do I really need an optometrist assistant?

The two roles are distinct. While optometric assistants typically handle some clerical tasks such as ordering lenses, those duties aren’t the main part of the job. Also, medical office receptionists greet incoming customers, handle insurance paperwork, etc., — –all tasks that would take technicians away from the key duties of assisting optometrists with patient care.  

What non-education or training-related issues should I be looking for in candidates?

Consider whether those interested in the position have time flexibility. Is your office open on nights and weekends? If so, search for candidates who are comfortable with those hours. “Perfect” candidates aren’t actually perfect if they can’t be in the office when they’re most needed.