Optician Training Blog

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant

A certified ophthalmic assistant is a valued member of the eye care team responsible for performing routine and assistive tasks associated with providing patient care. An individual who works in this profession is required to offer services under the direct supervision of either a licensed physician or registered nurse. Although certification is not mandatory in every state, it is very important in proving competence and for increasing one’s salary. Those who plan to pursue this career should become familiar with their certification options.

The Value of Formal Credentials

There are several benefits associated with the acquisition of formal credentials in a profession that does not require state or federal licensing. The successful completion of a national certification exam is an important step in demonstrating that an individual possesses the knowledge and skills required to provide high quality and comprehensive care to the public. The certified ophthalmic assistant is better able to compete for job openings … Click Here to Continue Reading

Ophthalmic Assistant Salary

Assistants are a critical component of just about any medical office because they are responsible for performing important tasks associated with patient care. An individual who is employed by an establishment that provides ophthalmic care to the public can expect to work with doctors, optometrists, and administrative personnel. Those who intend to pursue this profession are well-advised to consider the various factors that might impact the size of the ophthalmic assistant salary before beginning the job search process.

Common Ophthalmic Assistant Job Responsibilities

The ophthalmic specialty is a unique branch of the medical industry that evaluates and manages a wide variety of eye conditions. While many aspects of patient care must be performed by a licensed provider, there are several responsibilities that are commonly assigned to unlicensed assistants and technicians. A few of the most common tasks that an assistant may perform include documenting histories; measuring pressure using tonometry or tonography; measuring visual acuity including … Click Here to Continue Reading

Optician Education and Registration in Canada

Formal optician education and registration requirements in Canada are established by the individual provincial regulatory bodies along with the collaborative initiatives of the National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR). The stated mission of NACOR is to provide a forum for networking and information exchange among the Canadian Optician Regulators. Representatives from each provincial body meet to create standards and processes for the industry.

Educational Requirements

In general, individuals who wish to become an optician in Canada must complete a dispensing program offered through an accredited educational institution. The Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) has endorsed the programs developed by the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). The optical programs offered through the NAIT are made available online and include an eyeglasses diploma, a certificate in contact lenses, a certificate in sight testing, and a certificate in the use of automated refracting. Each program is accredited by NACOR and is recognized by … Click Here to Continue Reading