More and more optometrists are hiring optical assistants to help them with clerical and clinical duties such as preparing examination rooms, performing basic tests, assisting during colour blindness and eye pressure examinations, administering eye drops, and guiding patients towards machines used for eye examinations
Patients also learn how to properly use their prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses from optical assistants, who may also help patients adjust their glasses or choose the frames which best suit them. Optical assistants are also the people who update patient files, answer telephone calls, schedule appointments and perform bookkeeping tasks
Strong skills in mathematics, working with people, and maintaining confidentiality are essential to succeed in this profession, which requires good manual dexterity and eyesight. Little formal education is required to enter this profession but distance learning courses are widely available to those wishing to further advance their careers
This profession has an average salary of between £11,800 and £14,456 per annum.