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Average
Salary & Job Outlook
Approximate Optometric Assistant salaries:
Experienced: $34,300 annually
Beginning: $24,000-$28,000 annually
U.S. Minimum Wage
$10,712 Annually
Although salaries vary by region and experience, beginning optometric
assistants make about $29,000 yearly. Those with more training
and work experience can expect to earn over $34,300 per
year. Along with their annual salary, optometric assistants generally receive
excellent vision care and medical insurance benefits.
Employment for optometric assisting is expected
to grow faster than average for all other occupations
over the next ten years. Contributing factors in
this job growth are healthcare and patient awareness.
As vision technology increases, people are becoming
more aware of check ups and are getting what they
need out of healthcare. Another reason optometric
assisting is becoming more popular is that optometrists
are realizing the need for more assistance in their
offices.
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What is an optometric assistant?
Optometric assistants are specially trained in helping optometrists, or vision care specialists, for providing a full range of optometric care to patients.
What does an optometric assistant do?
The main function of an optometric assistant is
to aid optometrists in testing a patient’s
vision. These tests include near and far acuity,
depth perception, macula integrity, color perception,
visual field and utilizing ocular testing apparatus.
Responsibilities of optometric assistants include:
- Prepping patients
- Maintaining records
- Scheduling appointments
- Pre-testing patients
- Adjusting and repairing glasses
- Modifying contact lenses
Other tasks of optometric assistants may include
helping patients pick out contacts or eye glass frames,
ordering prescribed lenses, keeping books and discussing
future care with patients. There are many optometric
assistants who specialize in one or several areas
such as contact lenses, vision therapy and spectacle
fabrication.
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