Optometric Technician: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Optometric Technician
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Practice Now »What is a Optometric Technician?
As an optometric technician in the UK, you would assist in providing eyewear and lens options to customers based on the prescriptions given by eye specialists like ophthalmologists or optometrists. Your job would involve fitting and servicing glasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids while ensuring a comfortable and stylish fit for each client.
Skills
- Knowledge of optical equipment and tools
- Ability to perform basic eye exams and tests
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy in measurements
- Ability to interpret prescriptions and recommend appropriate eyewear
- Knowledge of different types of lenses and frames
- Sales and customer service skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Basic computer skills for record keeping and inventory management
- Understanding of health and safety regulations in the workplace
Qualifications & Education
- Entry with GCSEs/S grades or equivalent qualifications or experience
- Up to three years of training approved by the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO)
- Full-time, day-release or distance-learning options available
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
An optometric technician should include their specific work responsibilities such as testing visual acuity, checking reflexes and pressure inside the eye, keeping exam rooms clean and organized, maintaining equipment, helping to make and repair eyeglasses, and updating patient records on their resume.
A career in optometry involves working as an optometrist in various settings such as hospitals, high street optometrists, research, teaching, and other health settings. Optometrists may see and treat patients in need of urgent attention in hospitals or clinics, or work in local health centers and community clinics.
The main role of an optical technician is to manufacture eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions given by ophthalmologists and optometrists, ensuring that the lenses refract light at the proper angle for clear vision.
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