Optometry Assistant Training: Essential Skills and Certification Paths

In an optometry practice, multiple support personnel are vital to keeping the clinic running smoothly and serving patients efficiently. One such professional, the optometric assistant, helps with customer service and technical care of patients. Learn more about optometry assistant training and how to start working in this field.

Understanding the Role of an Optometry Assistant

Optometric assistants need a basic understanding of several different roles within the clinic. We explain these in more detail below.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following are the most common daily jobs an optometric assistant can expect to handle:

• Scheduling patients
• Greeting patients at an appointment
• Verifying completion of eye health patient forms at an appointment
• Performing an initial assessment of patients’ ocular anatomy
• Running vision screenings for glasses or contact lenses
• Taking vision acuity measurements for frames and glasses
• Scheduling follow-up patient meetings for contact lens fittings
• Answering patient questions
• Updating patient eye health records
• Handling vision insurance claims
• Preparing exam rooms for the next patient
• Examine screening equipment for contact lenses, glasses, and lenses

The duties of optometric assistants vary significantly based on the clinic’s needs. 

Essential Skills for Optometry Assistants

The most essential skills to acquire during optometry assistant training include:

• Attention to detail
• Understanding patient questions
• Multi-tasking
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Good people skills
• Performing well as part of a team
• Computing skills

These employees offer versatile skills that allow them to jump in and help with various tasks.

Educational Requirements and Training Programs

Optometric assistant training program options are available, but this profession does not require extensive education.

Minimum Educational Requirements

People who want to become optometric assistants must be graduates, either with a high school diploma or a general educational diploma (GED).

Optometric assistants typically undergo additional training to obtain entry-level certification at the federal or state level to improve their employment prospects.

Optometry Assistant Training Programs

Qualified training programs for optometric assistants are available across the United States. Some offer associate degrees, while others offer short, approved training courses. 

Top approved course programs include:

• American Career College (Los Angeles)
• Community College of Philadelphia
• East Mississippi Community College
• Madison (Wis.) Area Technical College

Online vs. In-Person Training

Training course programs may be flexible to suit your learning style. Some require in-person attendance, while others are completely online. Still others offer a mixture of both learning methods for a combination of hands-on and self-directed learning. 

Some people prefer in-person instruction because it provides training on real equipment. Working alongside fellow students can also provide valuable insight and motivate you to learn the ropes. 

An online-only program can help those who need to squeeze in classes while working another job. Virtual learning allows you to study when it’s convenient for you. 

Certification for Optometry Assistants

Some clinics require you to complete certifications or work on them before hiring you. This is another vital component of optometry assistant training.

Importance of Certification

By obtaining an official certification, you prove you have the knowledge to become an optometric assistant.

Certification Levels

The American Optometric Association (AOA) oversees the certification program for assistants in a clinic. The available levels include:

• Certified Paraoptometric (CPO): The CPO certification is the starting point for an entry-level optometric assistant. It requires six months of industry experience and passing an exam.
• Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA): This is an intermediate level of paraoptometric certification. Completing an official training program is a key component of meeting CPOA requirements.
• Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT): This is an advanced level of paraoptometric certification. Employees who meet CPOT requirements show the ability to perform advanced tasks expected of an optometric assistant, such as measuring blood pressure or ordering eyeglasses.
• Certified Paraoptometric Coder (CPOC): This is an advanced-level certification. People who meet CPOC requirements show an ability to code information accurately about vision diagnoses and procedures for patients.

Certification Process and Requirements

To be eligible to receive certification as an optometric assistant, you may need to:

• Finish a training program
• Obtain industry experience
• Pass exams

Programs and exams aren’t free. Even the most basic CPO exam costs about $300. That said, some optometry clinics will cover some or all of the cost of the exam to help you receive your certification. Training programs can cost a few thousand dollars or more. Again, some employers may offer to help you with these costs.

Job Outlook and Career Advancement

Optometric assistants can look forward to more job security and competitive pay than other medical assistants.

Employment Opportunities

As an optometric assistant, you can work in:

• Private optometry clinics
• Optometry clinic retail chains
• Eyewear retailers
• Medical clinics
• Hospitals

Salary Expectations

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not break out salary data for optometric assistants. However, medical assistants earn an average of over $20 per hour.

Expect most optometric assistant jobs to be in urban areas, although rural clinics may also need assistants.

Career Growth and Specialization

As an optometric assistant, you can be involved in optometry continuing education programs. You may obtain more advanced certifications or gain specialty skills through ongoing education.

Enhancing Your Career With Weave’s Solutions

When you want help with being involved in supporting your clinic’s optometric assistants, Weave has multiple solutions.

Streamlined Practice Management

Weave has several tools that help with practice management:

• Communication tools, including phone systems
• Automated patient reminder tools
• Online appointment scheduling tools
• Billing tools

These help your optometric assistant perform required practice management tasks efficiently.

Equip your assistants with the skills to sell. Grab your copy of 8 Tips to Drive Retail Sales in Optometry.

Improving Patient Communication and Experience

Maintain communications with each patient more efficiently with tools from Weave, including:

• Digital patient information forms
• Marketing tools, such as email marketing
• Automated text communications with patients

Boosting Efficiency With Integrated Systems

Most optometric assistants need versatile skill sets to assist with various clinical tasks. Weave’s integrated systems ensure that optometric assistants can perform their tasks efficiently.

Trust Weave for Helping With Training for Optometry Assistants

To find the optometry assistants you need for your optometrist clinic, helping prospective employees receive certification and training is a good place to start. Weave has multiple solutions for optometry assistant training requirements. Contact Weave for a free services demo today.

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