The Optometric Technician Career
When a person visits an optometrist or ophthalmologist, the first person he or she sees is not the doctor. The first person seen is actually the optometric technician. The tech does the things that the doctor is too busy to do but are necessary.
Optometric technicians make sure the office is running smoothly. They do the office paperwork, such as record keeping and billing to patients or insurance companies. They also greet the patients and start them on their intake paperwork. They also make sure that supplies are ordered and stocked.
An optometric tech also performs some of the simple tests that need to be done. These tests can help the doctor diagnose any problems with the eye. An example is a test for glaucoma. Such test is necessary for diagnosing eye health. But it goes beyond that. An eye health test can also give early warning to general health problems.
Other task that a technician in optometry can do is measure for glasses. When a person gets glasses, there are several measurements that need to be done. These measurements make sure that the glasses fit properly and that the lenses are made correctly.
People who are getting contacts need to have education and fitting when they get their first pair. It’s another thing an optometric tech does. They can also instruct the patient on proper contact lens care.
If you are interested in becoming an optometry technician, you need to make sure you have the right training, starting from high school. At the high school level, you should focus on biology, algebra and English. You should also take any office administration classes, as well as health occupation classes. Computer skills classes are necessary since computer is integral of any office.
Other classes include general clerical work and medical charting. Since an optometry technician is often the first person that a patient sees in the office, it is important to be very professional.
A person looking to be an optometry tech needs to have a high school diploma or equivalent. After high school, there are two ways to become an optometric technician.
You can either get on the job training or attend a program at a local college. Most colleges that have schools of optometry offer a two year program. Some community or technical colleges also offer these classes.
Once you have graduated from the optometry technician program or spent at least one year training on the job, you can apply to the National Council on Paraoptometric Certification to become certified. A CPT has more opportunities open to him or her than a person who doesn\’t take that step. They also get a higher salary.
There may also be state licensing examination that you will need to pass. You need to check with your state to find out exactly what you need to have and do.
I must ask you not to let any requirements stop you. You just need to focus and you will be on your way to a career you should come to love.
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Author Bio: Copywrite Kenneth Echie. Kenneth is a Writer, Expert Author, and Publisher. He currently writes for Medical Assistants Careers. Get free scholarship report and find Optometric Technician Schools by visiting. Affiliated website: Residual Income Ideas
Category: Career
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