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Optometrist Resume Samples
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Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
High School Diploma
Nursing / Midwife
Optometrist Assistance
Our reverence for eyes drives us to provide the highest quality vision care in our store. Our love of eyes and higher standard of quality have driven our services and technology that ensures you always see your best.
- Helped the optometrists by conducting diagnostic tests, recording and measuring vision and testing eye function.
- Prepared examination rooms, cleaned and arranged equipment, and made appointments with clients.
- Handled and maintained bookkeeping and other organizational tasks as needed.
- Prepared correspondence and documented preliminary case/appointment history.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Certificate
Medical Technology
Doctor
Optometrist
Medical education and management of diseases including diabetes, neurology, cardiovascular, auto-immune, glaucoma, retina, cornea, and oculoplastics
- Pre-operative and post-operative patient management for lasik, cataract, corneal, glaucoma, and retinal surgeries
- Review of patient medications and adverse ocular effects
- Provided education on disease management and its effect on ocular health
- Increased patient base by 250% in a two doctor office with seven support staff
- Grew contact lens business 16% including fitting multifocal, toric, one-day, and gas permeable
- Retained 75% of contact lens sales in-house
- Introduced new vision products to clients
- Consistent referrals averaging 2-5 patients per week from local physicians due to an established reputation of outstanding quality of care and customer service
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Speech Communication
Doctor Of Optometry
Active Duty Optometrist
- Performed eye examinations on active duty service members and their families, civilian federal
- Advised and consulted with other providers as needed.
- Supervised 2 enlisted optometric technicians
- Maintained physical fitness (PT) standards.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
Medical Assisting
Computer Programming
Optometrist
Medical Assistant
- Assisted patient before and after the procedures
- Performing vital signs-Blood Pressure, Pulse Rate
- Obtained patient information and documented effectively
- Prepared instruments and examination rooms for different procedures
- Answered phone calls efficiently
- Performed filing, copying, faxing
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Business Administration
Health Care Administration
Optometrist Assistant
- Professionally communicated with, insurance representatives, co-managing surgical centers, and primary care physicians, to understand and explain benefits, pre-op and/or post-op procedures, and follow-up scheduling instructions to patients.
- Ensured completion of forms and collected co-payments, recording transactions to their appropriate ledgers.
- Familiarized physicians within the practice with updates to computer systems operations to increase overall efficiency, patient confidence, and satisfaction.
- Routinely assisted optometrists during exams through administering pre-tests for visual field acuity, glaucoma, and taking retinal photos.
Candidate Info
year in workforce
months at this job
Medical Assisting
Education
Optometrist Technician
Handled pharmacy calls, follow-up appointments and post care instructions
- Prepared patient for medical exam, recorded chief complaint and vital signs
- Sterilized instruments and kept apparatus and rooms clean
- Organized drug supplies and maintained sample inventory
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Optometrist
Provided eye exams, contact lens fitting, managed ocular anterior diseases in a Corp. commercial settings as a primary Eye care delivery outlet.
- Trained Optometry technicians and EHR computerized training.
- Coordinated with the goals and revenues of the commercial optical service
- Treated or Referred patients for ocular disease as Glaucoma, cataract, retina and iris diseases to the Ophthalmologists. & LASIK Refractive Surgery by using Cornea testing as Pachymetry etc.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
International Business And German
Administrative Assistant and Optometrist Technician
- Over three years' experience in business administration
- Managed patient database and administered paperless office transition
- Verified patient insurance coverage, benefits and performed various other due diligence to ensure proper qualifications were met
- Technical operations including but not limited to pretesting patients and administering eye examinations
- Presented patients with instruction on contact lens use and safety
- Managed store inventory of contact lenses through targeted sales and new purchases
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Zoology
Education Society
Optometrist, Vision Care Director
Expanded general eye care of pediatric and general patients to also include medical eye
disease management.
- Expanded treatment of medical conditions of the eye and adnexa.
- Began and expanded a Degenerative Corneal Care and Scleral Lens Clinic.
- Created new markets through innovative web design and internet based marketing.
- Started a public education outreach focused on how to live with degenerative corneal
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Applied Science
Optometrist Assistant
Greeted patients, assisted in translations, scheduled appointments, filed and charted.
- Took care of phone calls and voice mails.
- Checked patients in and out, verified insurances and collected co pays.
- Accurately entered patients' prescriptions into the computer.
- Maintained exam rooms and office clean.
- Performed pre-testing, FDTs, and visual screenings.
- Taught contact lens care and use to patients.
- Kept track of ordering and stocking contact lenses, eye drops, and solution.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Optometry
Optometrist/ Customer Service
- Greeted and cared about 35 ophthalmology patients daily.
- Prescribed, supplied, fit and adjusted eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision aids.
- Provided patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- Provide vision therapy and low vision rehabilitation.
- Operated various ophthalmic devices such as Zeiss IOL Master500, Heidelberg Spectralis OCT+HRA, Oculus Pentacam, Tommy Topographer, and Avisco Ultrasound A/B scan.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Visual Sciences
Biology
Optometrist and Optical Store Manager
- Purchased existing practice and merged into existing practice.
- Responsible for all refractive eye services and associated patient care.
- Managed office staff members, including an optician and receptionists.
- Retained 90% of the patients during the initial transition.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Dr Of Optometry
Optometrist
Prescribe correct refraction to the patients helping to improve their visions, such as single vision, bifocal, trifocal, multi focal or progressive.
- Give appropriate shape and type of frames according to their faces, occupations, images, tastes, and that fits best.
- Select and suggests the right contact lenses they need according to their works and length of time required to wear it. May it be daily, weekly, monthly or conventional lenses, or choose the right lens' color that matches their complexions and personality.
- Choose the right sunglasses for them and up sell to quality brands.
- We make our customers comfortable and at home once they enter the shop. So we make sure that they got what they want and all items are available as much as possible and made it sure they will come back.
- Supervise the shop, check missing items for replacement and place an order, cashiering, etc.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Biochemistry / Cell Biology, Minor
Optometry
Clinical Affairs Optometrist
- Completed GCP training
- Evaluated a Cirrus OCT database service tool and provided extensive support to clinics for the tool
- Reviewed clinical literature and wrote clinical evaluation report for diagnostic devices
- Recruited and trained new operators for clinical studies
- Interfaced with patients and functioned as study doctor and operator for OCT instruments in FDA repeatability & reliability studies, coordinating with local ophthalmologists
- Created Case Report Forms for clinical studies
- Analyzed and qualified clinical data generated by OCT devices
- Converted normative databases on Humphrey Visual Field devices
- Tested investigational clinical devices and reported bugs
- Expert in use of Stratus and Cirrus OCTs, Visucam, HFA, Matrix, Forum Viewer, and iProfiler.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Biology
Doctor Of Optometry
Regional Optometrist, Decorah, IA
Enlisted to merge private practice with network of optometric providers based on exceptional reputation within Decorah community. Delivered primary eye care for diverse patient populations. Diagnosed, treated, and prescribed medications for ocular disease and injury. Co-managed surgical cases including cataracts and laser vision correction.
- Grew volume to approximately 4.5-5K patients per year over course of tenure as private practice owner and regional optometrist.
- Functioned effectively within team including opticians, ophthalmic technician, and patient liaison to ensure consistent delivery of top-quality care.
- Expertly utilized state-of-the-art technologies including autorefraction, autokeratometry, automated visual field analysis, optical coherence tomography, and pachymetry.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Currently Enrolled
Optometrist Assistant
- Verified insurance for patient benefits
- Filed and managed insurance claims: memorized CPT codes
- Assisted optometrist with eye exams: Pre-tests, glaucoma work-ups, and visual fields
- Scheduled and organized appointments
- Sold glasses and contacts
- Greeted and checked patients out
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Technology
Psychology
Optometrist
Examining eyes to detect and diagnose visual conditions, eye and systemic diseases.
- Prescribing, fitting, and adjusting eye glasses and contact lenses.
- Prescribing medication to treat anterior segment diseases in accordance to state law.
- Advising and educating patients of contact lenses care and complications, safety eye ware, visual hygiene, work ergonomics.
- Referring patient for additional specialized care when appropriate.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Marketing / Management
Primary Eye Care / Geriatric Optometry
Doctor Of Optometry
Staff Optometrist
Perform primary care eye exams with emphasis on treatment/management of ocular disease
- Perform pre and post-operative cataract evaluations
- Perform pre and post YAG capsulotomy and LPI evaluations
- Perform RGP and soft contact lens fitting and follow-up
- Preceptor 4th year optometric interns
- Utilize MD Office and MedFlow EMR Systems
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Business
Optometrist Assistant
Set and confirmed appointments.
- Conducted pre-testing and dilatation.
- Instructed patients on proper care and use of contact lenses.
- Filed insurance claims and complied with all Hippa laws.
- Courteously handled customer concerns or complaints. Used Practice Director program.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Chemistry Transfer
Optometrist Office
Schedule all the appointments for the day and correspond with the patient if there are any changes in appointment timings.
- Prepare the patient for eye examination and give instructions, if any.
- Testing the patient for color and depth perception, visual field, OCT and many more tests.
- Receive bills and keep record of the transactions and feed them in computer.
- Administer eye drops to the patients under the doctor's guidance and instruction.
- Ensured the cleanliness, sanitation and maintenance of all facilities, exam rooms and equipment.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
High School Diploma
Optometrist Technician
All front desk duties including in/out patient, answering multiple phones lines, and filing / preparing patients medical records.
- Fax medical related forms and referrals, verifying insurance benefits.
- Submitting payments for eye-med insurance claims.
- Prepare patients for doctors by pre-screening patients using several instruments including exam-writer, train patients to wear contact lenses an maintain proper care.
- Schedule and confirm appointments in a professional office setting.
- Responsible for financial transactions including accounts receivable with balancing.
- Officemate computer software.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
Biology
Biology
Doctor Of Optometry
Optometrist
Examine patients with full range of visual problems including infant eye exams
- Focus on diagnosing and treating anterior and posterior segment ocular disease
- Provide pre/post-operative care for patients who have undergone cataract or refractive surgery
- Competent at performing and interpreting ancillary test results - Visual Field, GDX, Endothelial cell count, corneal topography, Fundus photography, External ocular photography, VEP, B-scan and UBM
- Proficient in fitting patients with spherical/toric/bifocal/monovision soft and RGP contact lenses
- Comfortable with dispensing and follow up care with gentle molding/ orthokeratology lenses
- Refer patients to appropriate specialties for further evaluation and treatment
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Marketing
Para Optometrist
Provide administrative assistance to support three doctors and office manager.
- Verify and file insurance claims.
- Receptionist-Answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, filing medical records, checking out patients
- Prescreen patients and test for visual acuities, retinal photography, macular screening, visual field testing
- Tally daily reports, client billing and payments, and update daybooks.
- Market designer eyewear to customers
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
Optometrist Technician
Execute pre-examination screening procedures using a high quality knowledge base of company policies.
- Maintain an accurate account of confidential, customer sensitive documents while adhering to privacy
- Manage branch inventory including securing orders of pharmaceuticals supplies needed for daily
- Met and/or exceeded goals pre-established by the company.
- Promote and professional and productive work through interpersonal relations and collaborative efforts with colleagues.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Accounting
Optometrist
Answered patient questions at the Front Desk.
- Responsible for filing, and performing several pre-tests with patients.
- Pre-test consist of color blindness, glaucoma testing, blood pressure testing and eye chart notations.
- Responsible for collecting payments due by patients.
- Responsible for dispensing contact lens and teaching patients how to care for their lenses.
- Responsible for closing the office and settling the ledger with payments received.
Candidate Info
year in workforce
months at this job
Optometrist Assistant and Patient Care Coordinator
Perform pre-testing on patients such as NCT machine, Auto-Refractor, Visual Field, and Digital Retinal Photography
- Read glasses prescription using both a manual and auto prescription reader
- Explain in detail all procedures and how to put on and take out contact lens
- Perform Color and Stereo tests
- Put away contacts in proper place
- Handled secretarial work at the front desk such as answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, calling patients and insurance companies, etc.
- Kept whole office clean and tidy
- Use Revolution online optometry program for scheduling, patients' charts, etc.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Optometrist Assistant
Administer all patient testing of IOP, AR, GDX, Photo and Special testing of VEP, ERG, OCT, Visual Field and Spectular Microsope
- Scheduling and confirming appointments, New patient data entry in Officemate, Cashier
- In charge of ordering medical supplies and keeping exam rooms fully stocked at all times
- Measuring, fitting and dispensing contacts/eyewear in optical department
- Validate insurance coverage and working knowledge of EOB's
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
High School Diploma
High School Diploma
Nursing
Optometrist
Perform eye examination and refraction.
- Fit eyeglasses and contact lenses.
- Help patients in selecting optical frames and suggests type of lens that will be beneficial and comfortable to use.
- Do monthly inventories of supplies of ophthalmic lenses, optical frames, contact lenses and solutions.
- Attend and participate in Optometry seminars and conventions.
Candidate Info
months in workforce
months at this job
Exercise Science
Doctor Of Optometry
Surgery
Optician and Optometrist's Assistant
Greeted and assisted all costumers
- Assisted in fitting and cleaning of glasses and contact lenses
- Scheduled patients for Optometrist
- Handled the inventory and invoices.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Biology
Doctorate Of Optometry
Optometrist Assistant
Scribing of patient prescription and diagnosis while assisting the doctor with technical equipment while examining patients
- Pre-testing and collecting of patient medical history
- Dispensing eye glasses and contact lenses as well as scheduling appointments
- Ordering contacts and glasses
- Assisting patients in the choosing of frames and styles
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Psychology
Health And Human Performance
BLACKSTOCK & ASSOCIATE OPTOMETRIST
Obtains various insurance information necessary for visits and materials.
- Skilled in the use of Visioffice as well as Eyecare computer software.
- Practice and use of a Lensometer.
- Practice and uphold HIPPA regulations.
- Dispensing, ordering and fitting of eye wear.
- Dispensing and ordering of contact lenses.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Human Resources Management
Optician/optometrist Technician
Assist optometrist in preparing written prescriptions from local ophthalmologists and optometrists.
- Initiate and uphold medical records in accordance to prescriptions and other client information.
- Interpret and fill written prescriptions via clients' visits and faxes.
- Utilize Microsoft Office Software and Tools 2013 to produce and prepare medical records for optometrists.
- Accurately and thoroughly measure ocular dimensions, including corneal width and thickness.
- Assist clients with selecting eyeglasses and lens treatment, including tints, coatings, and focal points.
- Create work orders for lab technicians to ensure proper delivery of lens for clients.
- Adjust eyewear to guarantee accurate fitting and repair broken frames and/or lens.
- Educate clients on proper eyewear and contact lens care.
- Maintain orders, prescriptions, and inventory via files and computer software.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
Pharmacy Technician
Optometrist Assistant
Verified and analyze patients written prescription (from the Optometrist or Ophthalmologist) to determine the lens specification.
- Processed insurance eligibility and claims
- Prepare work order that gives optical laboratories the information needed to make order, cut and mount lenses in frame
- Verify the accuracy of finished lenses by checking power with special optical instrument
- Adjust finished glasses to fit the patient by heating and shaping plastic frames, or by bending metal frames.
- Recommend specific lens, coating and frame to suit patient's needs
- Teach patients the use and care of contact lenses
- Restock contact lenses and frames supplies
- Ordered a selected range of optical products
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Criminal Justice
Optometrist Tech
Prepare initial patient records for appointments including history, current medications, current problems/concerns, vital signs and initial acuities.
- Update patient records as needed with appointments and verify insurance.
- Familiar with such computer programs as Microsoft, adobe, and Compulink.
- Maintain office supply by tracking inventory and placing orders.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Psychology
Optometrist Technician
Record patients' medical history, vital statistics and information such as test results in medical records.
- Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
- Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
- Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
- Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
- Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets and physicians' instructions to patients.
- Perform general office duties such as answering telephones, taking dictation or completing insurance forms.
- Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.
- Keep financial records and perform other bookkeeping duties, such as handling credit and collections and mailing monthly statements to patients.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Medical Assisting
Optometrist Assistant
Prepared patients for eyesight examination; helped in testing for near and far acuity, depth insight, macula integrity, color acuity and visual field by making use of ocular testing.
- Taught patients in care and make use of glasses or contact lenses.
- Assist the Optometrist during surgery.
- Prepare correspondence and set up appointments.
- Maintained the examination room and keeping apparatus clean.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
High School Diploma
Associate of Science
Optometrist/optician Assistant
Helping the optometrists by conducting diagnostic tests
- Recording and measuring vision as well as testing eye function
- Instructing patients in fitting and caring for contacts lenses
- Preparing examination rooms
- Making appointments
- Assisting customers in selecting the appropriate eyewear
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
Business Management & Computers
Optometrist Assistant
Prepare screening and contact lens room.
- Verify insurance on all charts prior.
- Greet and assist customers in a courteous, professional and timely fashion.
- Screen patients and assist with any questions prior to seeing the Optometrist.
- Manage front desk by answering phones, scheduling/confirming appointments, verifying insurance information, etc.
- Assist in maintaining register accuracy at the end of business day.
- Properly dispense glasses and/or contacts to patients.
- Teach proper techniques to new contact lens wearers.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
Nursing
Optometrist Assistant
Greeted customers and assisted them with filling out paperwork
- Verified and filed insurance information
- Assisted customers with vision ware
- I pretest patients prior to seeing the physician
- Experienced with using QuickBooks to schedule and cancel appointments
- Check patients in and out of clinic
- Schedule patients with specialists for follow up appointments
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
High School Diploma
Optometrist Assistant
Testing patients for color and depth perception
- Testing patients for near and far acuity
- Testing patients for visual field and macular integrity
- Instructing the patient in the proper care of glasses and contact lens
- Perform refraction exams
- Assists in fabrication and modification of eyeglasses and contact lens
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Optometrist Technician
Tested patient's ocular pressures.
- Auto Refracted and transcribed measurements and readings.
- Tested peripheral and central vision.
- Captured photos detailing the retina, macula and optic nerve.
- Conducted insertion and removal classes for soft and gas permeable contact lenses.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
year at this job
Marketing
Graphic Design / Business Administration
Optometrist Office Assistant
Authorizing and verifying insurance for patients daily
- Assisting customers regarding their prescriptions and questions about receiving their materials
- Coordinate and Schedule multiple appointments across various methods of communication
- Enter and update new and existing customer information into system database
- Coordinate and communicate information to various departments throughout the company as needed to ensure efficient communication
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Computerized Office Technology
Medical
Optometrist Assistant / Office Manager
- Provide patient services as an assistant to the doctor, using an auto ref/keratometer and a non-contact tonometer, and teach the proper use and maintenance of contact lenses.
- Provide receptionist services, handle phones, fax, file, scan, copy services, and set appointments.
- Process insurance claims.
- Manage accounts receivable and payable processing.
- Maintain patient record keeping.
- Operate Comp-u-link Electronic Health Records and Practice Management software with great proficiency.
- Support a one-person office, involving much multitasking.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Health Information Technology
Optometrist Assistant
- Interact with insurance companies regarding unpaid or pending claims and patients insurance verification.
- Greet patients, answer multiple phones lines, schedule appointments and perform patient’s registration.
- Converted medical charts into electronic chart using EMR software, and organize records according to file.
- Operated computerized auto-refractor to give estimate of eye prescription, and assisted patient during frame selection.
- Perform office medical billing for services rendered via paper and electronically.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Arts
Optometrist Receptionist
Perform general office duties, such as answering incoming calls, providing information, transferring calls, taking messages, and scheduling appointments
- Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.
- Computer: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Interview patients to obtain medical information and pretesting patients eyes, such as Auto refraction, Non-contact Tonometer (NCT) Visual Acuity test and etc.
- Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
- Complete insurances by verifying patient eligibility and authorization
- Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.
- Ensured the cleanliness, sanitation and maintenance of all exam rooms and equipment
- Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Business Administration
Optometrist Technician
- Scheduled appointments and verified clients insurance claims
- Prepped patients for eye examination and contact lens fitting
- Transmitted and distributed faxes, files, billing and bookkeeping AP/AR
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
High School Diploma
Optician/optometrist Assistant/receptionist
- Assist Optometrist with visual aids
- Input, dispense and consult with patients on contact lens and eyeglass orders
- Assist customers with eye care needs
- Contact patients for order pick ups
- Schedule appointments
- Check patient prescriptions and repair frames
- Maintain 85% or better weekly selling average
Candidate Info
years in workforce
years at this job
Biology
Primary Care/low Vision Rehabilitation Residency
Doctor Of Optometry
Optometrist
- Compensation and Pension eye examinations for active duty military and veterans
- Ordering and evaluating further testing when necessary to determine status of ocular
- Providing professional medical opinions concerning eye related disability claims
Candidate Info
years in workforce
months at this job
Optometrist
Optometrist
- Handling patients
- Lensometer handling
- Prescribe spect numbers
- Grind & fit eyeglasses into frames according to prescribed by ophthalmologist.
- Repair damaged eyeglasses.
- Handle customers on sale counter
More Optometrist
Resumes
Optometrist Resume Success Stories
Optometrist Duties and Responsibilities
Examining and determining the quality of patient's vision includes several tasks. We perused many optometrist job ad descriptions to come up with the following list of core responsibilities:
Conduct Vision Tests Optometrists are responsible for conducting the collection of vision tests administered in a standard vision exam.
Diagnose Vision Conditions Optometrists use their knowledge to analyze tests and diagnose conditions like glaucoma, pink eye, nearsightedness, and farsightedness. They then inform the patient of their treatment options.
Prescribe Treatment of Vision Conditions After the optometrist diagnoses a vision condition, they prescribe treatment. The most common treatments are glasses and contact lenses. Sometimes, a patient will need eye drops or some sort of oral antibiotic.
Administer Pre- and Post-Operative Care In some states, optometrists perform minor eye surgery. They are responsible for preparing the patient for surgery by ensuring all protective gear is in place and that the patient knows what to expect. After surgery, they are responsible for examining patients for signs that the surgery was successful and that recovery is going smoothly.
Evaluate Patients Eye problems are sometimes a symptom of a larger condition, such as diabetes or hypertension. Optometrists are trained to recognize these symptoms, but not to treat these issues. They refer patients to a specialist for further testing.
Promote General Eye Health Optometrists educate their patients on how poor life decisions, like smoking and being overweight, can cause a slew of vision problems.
Optometrist Skills
Optometrists call upon mostly technical knowledge and skills to do this job, but there are certain abilities that help one do it well. Optometrists must be experts in the anatomy of the eye. They need to know what to look for in an eye examination to determine the presence of glaucoma or indicators of a more serious condition. Optometrists must also be proficient in reading vision test results and operating the equipment involved in vision tests. When it comes to character traits, attention to detail and strong analytical skills are key. The markers for many eye conditions are subtle and require an intense focus to notice. In addition to these traits and areas of knowledge, the following skills are needed to get a job as an optometrist:- Conducting vision tests using knowledge of various vision testing equipment
- Analyzing the results of vision tests to diagnose common eye conditions
- Explaining minor surgical procedures during pre-surgery preparation
- Monitoring patients post-surgery to ensure recovery is going as planned
- Promoting general eye health best practices to each patient
Optometrist Education and Training
Optometrists must obtain their doctor of pptometry degree from a program accredited by the National Board of Examiners and Optometry. Their educational journey starts with a bachelor's degree in a subject like biology, physics, chemistry, or math, followed by four years of optometry school. Students must pass the Optometry Admissions Test before they are admitted to any program. This tests covers quantitative reasoning, physics, reading comprehension, and science. Coursework in optometry school covers topics like visual science, anatomy, optics, physics, and various conditions that affect the visual system. All theoretical concepts are reinforced through practical clinical experience. Upon graduation, the final step is to pass the optometry licensing exam in your state.
Optometrist Salary
According to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median salary for optometrists is $106,140. Those in the bottom 10 percent make below $52,810, while those in the top 10 percent make above $192,050.
Optometrist Resources
Interested in pursuing a career as an optometrist? If so, check out the following list of resources:
American Optometric Association - The American Optometric Association boasts a membership of over 44,000 optometrists and students of optometry. It offers members networking opportunities, professional development resources, and help with the job search.
National Optometric Association - The National Optometric Association is a branch of the National Eye Institute that focuses on improving cultural diversity in the field of optometry. It provides top-notch resources tailored towards minority students.
American Board of Optometry - Optometrists who want to be board certified need to keep this website handy. It contains all the information one needs to know about certification.
National Board of Examiners in Optometry - This is the organization responsible for administering optometry license exams in all states. The website outlines the requirements for licensure in each state.
How to Build an Optometry Business by T.K. Johnson - This book is a necessary read for optometrists who want to start their own private practice.
