Optical or optometric assistants are specially trained to work in the field of vision care. Also known as ophthalmic medical assistants, these employees are responsible for administrative and clinical tasks, which support and maintain quality of service in their medical offices. There are subtle yet important differences in the demands placed on optical, optometric, and ophthalmic assistants though all of these employees are called to perform tests for diagnoses, take special measurements and records of patients' vision, and assess the strength of their patients' eyes muscles.

Ophthalmic assistants work exclusively for medical doctors who have earned academic and practical expertise in understanding the anatomy, processes, and ailments of the eye. Ophthalmic assistants may administer eye drops, dressings, or medications. Optometric assistants support optometrists, who examine eyes for poor vision or disorders and prescribe corrective eyewear or treatment. Optical assistants work with opticians, who sell corrective lenses and contacts under the prescriptions of ophthalmologists and optometrists. All of these specializations center around direct relations with patients and the need to demonstrate some technical savvy relating to the procedures and materials involved in eye care. 

The educational process for these positions usually includes academic study and practical training that takes place on a job. Though formal study is not a requirement for all positions, vocational schools and community colleges often offer educational programs of either one or two years in duration, for certificates in medical assistant work, with specialization preparation for optical/ophthalmic/optometric assistance. Certification, also not mandated, is available and can make a difference in hiring decisions. Salary for these medical assistants depends on experience, aptitude, certification, and location of work. The employment outlook for vision-oriented medical staff is very strong.

Career Specializations

• Ophthalmic Assistants: These professionals work specifically with ophthalmologists, helping to keep medical and surgical equipment in order and sometimes even assist in surgeries.
• Optometric Assistants: Working under optometrists, these assistants teach patients about the nature of their specific eye care and often run tests on patients. 
• Optical Assistants: This specialization covers those who support the work of opticians, helping patients to find the ideal aesthetic lenses for their faces and handling the processing of insurance and payment. 

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Degree Levels

• Certificate: 1 year to complete
• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

The minimum requirement for any and all assistants to vision professionals is a high school diploma. During these four years, students should place an emphasis on doing well in such classes as health science, biology, computers, office skills, bookkeeping, and mathematics. Savvy high school students also arrange volunteer work with local ophthalmologists, opticians, or optometrists. A combination of excellent high school grades with this unpaid experience often leads to high school graduates being selected by medical professionals for a position as an assistant, where they will receive additional training on the job. 

Alternatively, students can pursue brief postsecondary education to improve their marketability. During either the certificate program, which lasts a year, or an associate degree experience, which goes on for two years, students will encounter coursework in such subjects as transcription, record keeping, insurance processing, anatomy, medical terminology, and physiology. Lab techniques and procedures also factor into their learning. The best of these programs will also train pupils in first aid, medical law and ethics, and patient relations, and will provide their students with internship opportunities with local physicians or healthcare offices. 

Certification, though not required, is an attractive feature on a resume. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the Association of Medical Technologists (AMT) provide this certification; some states allow medical assistants to earn further certification in advanced procedures, like X-rays. (BLS)

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Salary Information

Most medical technicians, including those in the visual field, do not earn nearly as much as nurses or doctors. Those who are at the outset of their careers, including recent high school graduates, can anticipate making a bit less than $20,000 per year. As they progress and gain experience, these assistants take home nearly $30,000 per annum, on the whole. Those who are head assistants, or who work in facilities that serve large metropolises or affluent communities, can earn around $40,000 in a single year. Medical and surgical hospitals pay the most to assistants, followed not far behind by colleges and educational environments and outpatient care centers. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

Although the pay may not be outrageous, the employment possibilities for those in this profession have truly skyrocketed. Estimates predict that the number of jobs for medical assistants of all stripes will increase by nearly 35 percent. This is one of the largest growths of any industry through the year 2018. This growth is unfortunately tied to an increase in epidemic health problems, like obesity and diabetes, both of which can exert negative effects on eye health and vision; technological capacities have also improved in healthcare, and assistants will be needed en masse to help facilitate the processes of patient care. The best way to ensure that this boom in employment will be fruitful for a certain medical assistant hopeful is to earn an associate degree, certification, and secure plentiful job experience before applying for a position. (BLS)

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Related Careers

Dental assistants support the practices of dentists in similar ways to how optometric, optical, and ophthalmic assistants provide for their head physicians. Dental assistants are expected to have trained for one to two years in the academic nature of their work. For some specializations, like dental technology or hygiene, additional schooling may be needed. 

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