How Do I Become an Optometric Technician?

To work as an optometric technician, a person must first complete high school and then receive technician training on the job or through a formal training program. Before optometric technicians can move on to certification, which is preferred the majority of optometrists, they typically need at least two years of training. An optometric technician can apply for work at any visual health office after obtaining certification.

Those interested in becoming an optometric technician should first obtain a high school diploma or a graduate equivalency degree (GED). Most optometric technician programs require this as a prerequisite. Those who know early on that they want to pursue this career path can prepare taking math, computer science, biology, anatomy, health, chemistry, and general science courses. If a person’s school offers medical assisting or clerical work as options, those classes should be taken as well.

The next step in becoming an optometric technician is to decide whether to get on-the-job training or enroll in a formal training program after receiving a high school diploma or GED. People who choose on-the-job training usually do so because their area lacks para-optometric programs. Formal training programs are preferred because they award diplomas or associate degrees that demonstrate a specific level of competency, which is often preferred future employers. If a person chooses formal training, he can expect to spend at least two years in school — one-year programs are designed for optometric assistants, which is a slightly lower-level position.

Optometric procedures, optical devices, physiology of the eye, and anatomy are commonly covered in formal training programs to help someone become an optometric technician. Additional examples include instrumentation, optometric dispensing, optical first aid, and lens finishing. These courses prepare the technician not only for a diploma or degree, but also for certification.

Certification is optional for those interested in becoming an optometric technician, but most optometrists prefer certified technicians. An optometric technician can become certified in the United States through organizations like the National Council on Paraoptometric Certification, the American Board of Opticianry (ABO), and the American Optometric Association, Paraoptometric Division. These organizations usually provide certification via a written competency exam.

Following education and certification, updating a resume and formally applying for open technician positions are the final steps in becoming an optometric technician. A candidate may be able to use placement services provided their training program in some cases. The majority of technicians submit their applications directly to the offices where they want to work.