The job of the optometric assistant is to assist the optometrist in day to day duties. The precise duties of the optometric assistant depends upon the office and the needs of the optometrist. In smaller offices, the optometric assistant usually handles a number of different tasks, including both administrative and clinical tasks. An assistant in a larger office may specialize in just one of these areas.
An optometric assistant that specializes in administrative duties may perform duties such as answering phones, updating and filing patient records, greeting patients, completing insurance forms, scheduling appointments, and handling billing. Clinical duties assigned to an optometric assistant may include assisting the optometrist during examinations. They may also perform certain tests on patients and administer medications in the eyes.
An optometric assistant might also teach patients how to apply eye dressings and how to remove and insert contact lenses. They are also responsible for maintaining the examination room and keeping equipment clean. In addition, the optometric assistant may assist the doctor during surgery.
