Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
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WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Vision Care
Job description
There are many specialized careers in the medical field of vision care. The careers include the following:
Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor trained to diagnose and treat diseases, defects and injuries to the eye. The Ophthalmologist prescribes medication, performs surgery, and provides other types of treatment including fitting the patient with glasses and contact lenses. This vision care professional has completed medical school and a residency in ophthalmology.
Ophthalmic Technologist is a specialist in the eye health team who assists the Ophthalmologist by collecting data and testing measurements for accurate diagnoses and treatment of the eye. Uses sophisticated equipment and techniques to gather information during an eye examination. Assists with eye surgery, using microscopic and intricate instruments. Instructs patients about diagnosis and treatment.
Optical Laboratory Technician sets up and operates machines to cut grind, and polish lenses according to the prescription. Mounts lenses in the selected frames and examine broken lenses to determine the original prescription.
Opticians
Opticians fit, adjust, and dispense glasses and other visual helping devices on the written prescription of an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Optician activities may include
●
analyze and interpret a written optical prescription from the examining doctor to determine the lens specifications required
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measure the customer's facial features
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assist the customers in selecting the style and color of eyeglass frames and lenses by advising them of the size and shape best suited to both their facial features and their optical prescription
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prepare a work order that gives optical laboratories the information needed to make lenses and to mount lenses in frames
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verify that the finished lenses are exact by checking the power and surface quality with special optical instruments
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adjust finished eyeglasses to fit the customer by heating and shaping plastic frames, or by bending metal frames using pliers
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instruct customers in the care of eyeglasses and contact lenses
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perform follow-up services, such as fixing broken frames, replacing temple screws, and adjusting and refitting glasses
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may perform the business functions of purchasing, maintaining supplies and equipment
Salaries and benefits for Opticians
Opticians work in retail optical stores, ophthalmologists, and optometrists offices and in hospital eye clinics. Many opticians open their own retail optical stores. Starting salaries range from $1,500 to $1,917 per month, with shop owners earning about $35,000 per year.
Opticians working in an office of a medical facility usually receive a full benefit package. Self-employed opticians must self-insure.
Training and requirements for Opticians
The only opticianary school in the State of Washington is located at Seattle Central Community College where a two year program for Ophthalmic Dispensing is offered.
Necessary skills for Opticians
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ability to learn new tasks
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ability to see details and slight differences
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excellent listening skills
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ability to communicate orally and in writing
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good use of numbers and accuracy in calculations
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good eye/hand coordination
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ability to work closely with a wide variety of people
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ability to use hands skillfully in the assembly and repair of small objects
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attention to detail
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good record keeping skills
Licensure/Certification
Opticians need a license to practice in Washington State. To obtain a state license an optician must be: 18 years of age or older; complete an accredited two-year course in opticianary technology at a college or university, or a three-year apprenticeship training program; and have five years of experience in a state other than Washington.
Optometrist
Optometric Assistant or Technician assists the optometrist in the eye examination and in other corrective procedures. Obtains and records patient medical histories, maintains medical records, performs bookkeeping, prepares the patient for the examination and assists with various eye tests. Other duties include instructing patients in the care and use of glasses and contact lenses, adjusting and re-pairing glasses, and maintain the materials and equipment.
Optometrist or Doctor of Optometry is licensed to prescribe treatment to protect and improve vision. They diagnose and treat vision problems, eye diseases, vision mal-functions or other abnormalities. Optometrists refer patients for visual pathology or other disease to a medical practitioner (ophthalmologist) for further diagnosis, treatment or surgery. They test eyes for proper depth and color perceptions, analysis of a patients ability to focus and coordinate eye movements, measure peripheral (side) vision, and prescribe corrective treatments, lenses, or pharmaceutical treatment.
Salaries and benefits for Optometrists*
Experienced Optometrists in private practice average $50,000 to $100,000 per year. Those who work in hospitals average $57,000 to $70,000 per year. The national average for entry-level Optometrists is about $50,000 per year. Benefits vary. Some receive paid medical/life/retirement insurance.
Training and requirements for Optometrists
Professional optometry programs are four years in length. Applicants to Optometry school must take the Optometry Admission test and have a minimum of three years of pre-optometry coursework. There is no professional Optometry school in the State of Washington.
Necessary skills for Optometrist
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ability to work with precise limits or standards
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deal with all kinds of people
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make decisions using personal judgment
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ability to picture forms in space
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above average ability to catch on to things and make judgments
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ability to add and subtract quickly and accurately
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coordinate eyes and hands
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use fingers to move small objects accurately
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use hands skillfully to assemble and repair things
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see small differences between colors
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knowledge of optics, chemistry, pharmacology, physics, chemistry, math, biology, business practices, anatomy and physiology
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ability to use specialized instruments and techniques to determine visual strength/weakness
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good interpersonal skills
Licensure/Certification
To be a practicing Optometrist in Washington State, one must be licensed by the State Optometry Examining Committee. Licensing requirements include: diploma from an accredited college of optometry; complete national board exam; 50 hours of continuing education every two years; four hours of AIDS education.
Helpful high school courses for Vision Care occupations
Algebra, biology, chemistry, geometry, mechanical drawing, physics, math through calculus, English literature and composition, and speech.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
Highline Community College (Dispensing Optician Certificate)
2400 South 240th St.
Des Moines, WA 98198-9800
(206) 878-3710
●
Seattle Central Community College (AAS -
Opticianry)
1701 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 587-3800
●
Spokane Community College (AAS - Vision
Care Technology)
North 1810 Greene St.
Spokane, WA 99207-5399
(509) 533-7000
Outlook*
In Washington State, the outlook for Optometrists is good and expected to grow 11% by the year 2000. Currently, about 1,200 Optometrists are licensed in Washington.
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04