Career Advancement as an Ophthalmic Assistant in the Vision Industry

1
Ophthalmic Assistant

• Career Path

2
What is an Assistant?

• An unlicensed patient care provider
• Prepares patients for eye exams
• Works under licensed medical professionals
• May have several responsibilities
• A valued member of the medical team

3
Common Responsibilities

• Documenting medical histories
• Testing visual fields and visual acuity
• Automated refraction
• Ancillary testing
• Drop administration
• Equipment operation and maintenance
• Instrument preparation

4
Task Variations

• Dependent on experience and position
• Preferences of licensed providers
• Needs of the patients
• Resources available
• Education and training
• Administrative responsibilities
• Size and type of employer

5
Education and Training

• High school diploma or GED
• In-house training
• Some certificate programs available
• Inquire with local employers
• Associates degree is a plus
• Employer orientation and supervision
• Verify program approval before enrolling

6
Certification

• Rarely required by law
• Many employers do encourage it
• Certified ophthalmic assistant (COA)
• Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel
• Comes with several benefits
• Self-guided program typically expected
• Consider voluntary completion

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Benefits of Certification

• Recognized authority
• Higher regard from patients and peers
• Professional status
• More competitive salary
• Additional job opportunities
• Stronger resume
• Part of a community

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Resources

• Ophthalmic Assistant Salary
• www.opticiantraining.org