A career as an Optometry Technician could be closer than you think.

Financial Assistance

Fees: Fees vary by partner. Check Class Schedules to find a program near you.

Financing: Financial Assistance is offered to many people that apply. Our options may include:

• Scholarship Opportunities
• Sallie Mae Loans
• 10 month Payment Plans
• Debit/Credit Card Enrollment

Call 800-201-1141 to talk to our Admissions Counselors to get more information about our Optometric Technician training and available payment plans.

Schedule / Duration

In the course of six months, we combine 140 hours of classroom instruction with a 120 hour externship (Externship hours vary by state). Weekend schedules are available. Graduates can take the optional Certified Paraoptometric Examination (CPO) offered by the American Optometric Association (AOA).

Click here to find a program that fits your schedule.

Externship

We know how important on-the-job training can be. That is why we guarantee externship placement for all students who meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the student handbook. This practical experience has allowed many of our students to receive job offers immediately upon graduation. Externships are offered near your classroom location. Externship hours vary by state.

Occupational Outlook

What Optometry Technicians Do:
Duties:

• Obtains and records patients’ preliminary case history
• Maintains records, schedules appointments, performs bookkeeping, correspondence, and filing
• Prepare patient for vision examination; assists in testing for near and far acuity, depth perception, macula integrity, color perception, and visual field, utilizing ocular testing apparatus.
• Instructs in patient care and use of glasses or contact lenses
• Works with patient in vision therapy
• Assists patient in frame selection
• Adjusts and repairs glasses
• Modifies contact lenses
• Maintains inventory of materials and cleans instruments
• Assists in fabrication of eye glasses or contact lenses

Work Environment:
The majority of optometry technicians work in optometrists’ offices with other optometric professionals. The typical work week is 40 hours long and may include evenings or weekends depending on the patients’ needs. Part-time professions may also be available in this profession.

How to Become an Optometry Technician:
Students interested in becoming an optometric technician are recommended to take high school courses in biology, dental/medical assisting, health occupations/medical professions education, computer skills, general clerical work, algebra, office practices, English, literature, history and social studies.

Education:
Students with an interest in becoming an optometry technician should have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Optometry technicians may be trained on-the-job, but often complete a two-year associate’s degree.

After completing a formal training program, individuals may become a Certified Optometric Technician.

Pay:
Optometric Technicians salaries can range from $20,000 to $34,000. Wages will vary based on employer, location and experience.

Job Outlook:
Employment opportunities for optometry technicians should be great over the next decade. There is an expected increase of over 20% in the number of new jobs that will be available through the year of 2012.

Locations

Boston Reed is proud to partner with hundreds of schools across the United States. If you aren't able to find a location for this program please let us know. We are constantly adding more locations and hope to help you online or in the classroom.

Information Sessions