Optometric/Ophthalmic Technician Skills Guide

Recommended High School Level Background Courses

*Biology (one year of high school biology with a grade of C or higher is strongly recommended)
*Anatomy
Human Physiology
*Psychology
*Sociology
*Composition
Speech
Accounting
Keyboarding

* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center

Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job

Reading

Textbook study is important to success in the program. Technical texts in human anatomy, optical knowledge, ocular anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology are written at a college level. Written tests are based primarily on applications of textbook and classroom materials. In addition to their texts, students use the Internet to locate journal articles related to anatomy and conditions of the eye.

On the job, technicians read patient charts and electronic medical records, physician correspondence, insurance forms, and billing notices. To stay current in their field, they read trade journal articles in print or electronic form.

View more information on reading skills in the Optometric/Ophthalmic Technician program.

Language

Strong listening and speaking skills are important in the classroom and on the job. Students in the Optometric/Ophthalmic Technician program must take notes on lectures. They also make class presentations on topics they have researched. In the workplace they will interact with doctors, other assistants, and patients. They must be able to explain technical information on medical conditions and procedures in terms their clients can understand.

Students may choose to take either Composition I (ENG105) or Communication Skills (COM703). In addition, they write research reports and journal article reviews in their program coursework. On the job, technicians make entries in patient charts, write orders, and possibly take dictation from the doctor.

View more information on language skills in the Optometric/Ophthalmic Technician program.

Math

Basic math skills are required both in the program and on the job: whole numbers, fractions, decimals, metric unit conversions, signed numbers, and degrees of a circle. A passing score on a math exam is a program entry requirement.

Students take Applied Math (MAT772) in the first semester of the program. Toward the end of their first term, they begin to use math in Basic Optical Concepts/Optics (OPT120) as they study the prismatic effects of lenses. Precision is essential in measuring and in recording data for prescriptions.

View more information on math skills in the Optometric/Ophthalmic Technician program.

Learning

Strong study skills and strong motivation are essential for success in this program. Students must be willing to spend adequate study time outside of class.

This career also requires a variety of reasoning skills. Technicians must not only follow directions accurately but also develop clear step-by-step instructions as they show clients how to insert, remove, and care for contact lenses. They must make accurate observations and draw logical conclusions; for instance, they might pick up clues on proper bifocal placement by watching client posture. They must compare lens and frame options to help clients make purchasing decisions. They must also use problem-solving skills in situations like triaging on the phone to decide who must see a physician immediately and who might safely wait for a later appointment.

View more information on learning skills in the Optometric/Ophthalmic Technician program.

Computer

Basic computer skills (including keyboarding, word processing, e-mail, and use of internet resources) are required in the program. In fact, a satisfactory score on a typing/word processing skill test is one of the program entry requirements.

On the job technicians use computers for a variety of duties including electronic record-keeping, data entry, eyeglass and contact lens orders, insurance verification and filing, eyeglass frame reference, and possibly patient communication.

View more information on computer skills in the Optometric/Ophthalmic Technician program.