Optometrist - Career Advice - Community and Health

Dispensing Optician
Optical Mechanic
Orthoptist

Optometrists perform eye examinations to determine the presence of vision problems and other eye conditions and diseases. They treat or manage these problems by prescribing glasses, Future Growth Strong contact lenses, optical aids, therapy or medication.

Optometrists examine and test clients' vision, diagnose problems with visual and optical problems, and prescribe spectacles, contact lenses and other optical aids. They perform vision tests to determine the necessity for glasses or spectacles and examine eyes for the presence of glaucoma, diabetes or high blood pressure. They test ocular health and visual function by assessing visual pathways, visual fields, eye movements, freedom of vision and intraocular pressure. They also advise patients on caring for their spectacles and contact lenses, visual ergonomics and provide vision care for the elderly.

ANZSCO ID & description: 251411: Performs eye examinations and vision tests to determine the presence of visual, ocular and other abnormalities, ocular diseases and systemic diseases with ocular manifestations, and prescribes lenses, other optical aids, therapy and medication to correct and manage vision problems and eye diseases. Registration or licensing is required.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

An optometrist needs:

a desire to help people
a caring and compassionate nature
an understanding and comprehension of biology and physiology
strong communication skills
the technical skill to operate a variety of optometry equipment
the ability to perform detailed and precise work

Duties and Tasks

Optometrists may perform the following tasks: Optometrist examing patient

work out the nature and extent of vision problems and abnormalities by examining patients' eyes using specialised instruments, techniques and tests
correct vision defects by prescribing and dispensing glasses or contact lenses, special optical aids or vision therapy
examine patients for signs of eye and systemic conditions, including glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure and multiple sclerosis, and work with medical practitioners to co-manage patients when required
manage some eye conditions by prescribing therapeutic drugs
monitor patients' vision and ocular health with the use of digital photography and computerised vision tests
conduct eye screenings for the purposes of determining occupational fitness or fitness to drive
undertake managerial, retail and administrative tasks.

Working conditions

Optometrists work predominantly in public or private clinics, consulting rooms or in private businesses. They require a clean, well-lit environment, but may do some of their work in darkened conditions. They require a sterile work environment to prevent the incidence or spread of infection. Some optometrists may work across several different branches, whilst others may visit workplaces to carry out industrial vision screening. Optometrists usually work in towns and cities but may also work in remote locations, when required, in regional areas of Western Australia.

Tools and technologies

Optometrists work mainly with equipment designed to test and examine vision and the general health of the eyes. They use diagnostic equipment such as ophthalmoscopes, retinoscopes and transilluminators. They may also use optical refractors and testing devices such as the Snellen chart, which is used for visual acuity testing.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a qualified optometrist, you need to complete a degree in optometry or vision science, followed by a related master's degree.

Graduates must be registered with the Optometry Board of Australia to practice in any state or territory in Australia.

Did You Know?

When choosing a career, people often consider the cost and duration of the training, whether it will involve personal sacrifice such as living away from family and friends, and future job prospects.

They rarely think about vision as being a major factor in career choice, yet it can be critical.

Optometrists play an important part in helping people meet minimum occupational vision requirements. Optometrists examine all aspects of your vision to determine whether you would pass a qualifying test.

For safety reasons, occupational visual standards are required for a host of jobs such as crane operators, public transport drivers, state and federal police forces, fire brigades, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, ambulance services, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Marine Boards of each state and territory.

Colour vision deficiency - the inability to accurately distinguish colours - may also rule out some careers. Matching colours could be a problem for painters, printers and graphic designers. Choosing complementary shades could be tricky for a fashion designer or florist.

Ishihara Test for Colour Blindness

Colour vision standards are also essential for safety reasons for aircraft and ship's pilots and air traffic controllers. Even sales assistants may need good colour vision in clothing, furnishing or cosmetics stores. A colour deficient chef could prepare a most unappetising meal if s/he was unable to distinguish red from green.

Fire departments Australia-wide will not permit spectacles to be worn in conjunction with the breathing apparatus they use, so spectacle wearers cannot take an active fire-fighting role, although other duties are available. Contact lenses are not acceptable in any position in fire departments as they react adversely to smoke and gas and can cause damage to the eye.

Even if you are shortsighted or longsighted, there is still a place for you in Australia's defence forces, but you may not qualify for some jobs. People who do not have perfect eyesight can enter most professions, but there are a few exceptions.

We can correct most minor vision impairment with spectacles or contact lenses.

Reproduced with the permission of Optometrists Association Australia

Colour vision deficiency - the inability to accurately distinguish colours - may also rule out some careers. Matching colours could be a problem for painters, printers and graphic designers. Choosing complementary shades could be tricky for a fashion designer or florist.

We can correct most minor vision impairment with spectacles or contact lenses.

Reproduced with the kind permission of Optometrists Association Australia from "All about Eyes", Number 15

Orthoptists detect, diagnose and treat disorders of the eye, both in relation to impaired vision and eye movement. Future Growth Strong Orthoptists carry-out eye examinations and vision tests. They can prescribe
lenses and other optical aids and therapy, as well as diagnose and manage eye movement disorders and associated sensory problems.

ANZSCO ID & description: 251412: Diagnoses and manages eye movement disorders and associated sensory deficiencies. Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative names: Certified Orthoptist, Clinical Orthoptist (CO)

Specialisations: Eye Specialist and Paediatric Eye Specialist, Neuro-ophthalmologist, Ophthalmologist, Visual Rehabilitation Specialist Optometrist examing small girls eyes

Knowledge, skills and attributes

An orthoptist needs:

knowledge of the sciences including information and techniques to diagnose and treat eye disorders

accurate observation, discrimination and measurement skills

to make decisions and solve problems associated with eye disorders

to be able to communicate and interact with people from all backgrounds, including children and elderly patients, specialists, practitioners and other health professionals

to be interested in people's health needs and able to provide emotional support to patients

to keep up-to-date with technical changes within the industry

Duties and Tasks

Orthoptists may perform the following tasks:

measure and assess vision and prescribe glasses when appropriate

investigate, monitor and assist with treating eye disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration

measure and select intraocular (within the eye) lenses for cataract surgery

detect and manage eye movement disorders, such as strabismus (turned eye) and amblyopia (lazy eye), and their sensory consequences

conduct specialised diagnostic and imaging techniques, such as ultrasonography and topography, to determine the effects and progression of eye disease

assess and provide management strategies for people with neurological disorders: neuro-ophthalmology, which involves the treatment of neurologically based eye disorders caused by stroke and head injury

devise strategies for rehabilitating impaired vision and design therapy programmes to maximise an individual's remaining vision

eye movement disorders and paediatric eye care, which involves the treatment of conditions such as strabismus, amblyopia and double vision

provide reports on the existence of eye defects to practitioners, therapists and relevant authorities, such as transport authorities

provide educational information to patients, families and members of the community about eye conditions and their effects

assist the community by providing vision screening tests and promoting preventative eye health care

vision rehabilitation, which involves maximising remaining sight in people with low vision using rehabilitation strategies and magnification aids

education or research.

Working conditions

Orthoptists work in a diverse range of settings, including hospitals, private practices, low vision and rehabilitation settings and research centres. They may work as part of the team within the eye unit itself, or independently as community orthoptists. Most orthoptists work fulltime averaging about 40 hours per week.

Tools and technologies

Orthoptists need to use specialised diagnostic and imaging tools to analyse diseases of the eye. They use depth perception apparatuses, eye charts, lenses, prisms and various scopes.

A range of technologies are used including training and medical software.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To work as an orthoptist in Australia, you may need to obtain registration from the Australian Orthoptic Board.

To become an orthoptist, you need to study a post graduate degree in orthoptics.

Optical mechanics make precision optical parts, grind, polish and surface prescription lenses and contact lenses, and fit lenses to spectacle frames. Future Growth Very Strong Optical mechanics may specialise as optical dispensers.
Highly skilled and experienced optical mechanics make, repair and service binoculars, telescopes and other scientific optical equipment.

ANZSCO ID & description: 399914: Operates machines to grind, polish and surface optical lenses to meet prescription requirements, and fits lenses to spectacle frames.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Optical mechanics should:

have good communication skills

have sales ability

have technical ability

have good hand-eye coordination and eyesight

have an aptitude for mathematics and physics

enjoy helping people

have patience, attention to detail and accuracy

(Source: Good Universities Guide)

Duties and Tasks

read and interpret optical prescriptions from eye specialists, and fits and services optical appliances such as spectacle frames and lenses

locate and mark optical centres and axes on lens blanks and make calculations to grind lenses to specifications

operates machines to grind, polish and surface optical lenses to meet prescription requirements, and fits lenses to spectacle frames

grind and polish the surface of the lens by setting grinding and polishing machines

test polished lenses for accuracy

apply protective coatings and non-reflective material to lenses and apply heat and chemical treatment to glass lenses to harden them if required

repair damaged and broken spectacles

cut and polish contact lenses to prescription requirements

Working conditions

Optical mechanics are employed by optical dispensing firms, optometrists or optical laboratories. They may operate their own dispensing businesses. Shifts in fashion can influence demand for optical mechanics.

Tools and technologies

Tools include: Screw and locknuts; Screwdriver; Pliers; Specialist Frame Repairer; Tweezers; Hand Drill; Files and Reamers; Soldering Tools

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an optical mechanic you usually need to complete an apprenticeship. The optical mechanic/technician apprenticeship usually takes 48 months to complete.

Dispensing opticians [or Optical Dispensers] make and dispense glasses, and contact lenses from the prescriptions written by ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists. Some manufacture spectacles on site as well as do repairs and adjustments. An optical dispenser works as part of an eye care team alongside optometrists or ophthalmologists (who issue the optical prescription) and optical mechanics (who make the visual aid or optical appliance). Some dispensing opticians are employed by large Future Growth Very Strong corporations but many are self-employed in private practice or in partnerships with optometrists.

ANZSCO ID: 399913

Alternative names: Optical Dispenser,

Specialisations

Knowledge, skills and attributes

have good communication skills

have sales ability

have technical ability

good hand-eye coordination

aptitude for mathematics

enjoy helping people

patient and attention to detail.

Dispensing Optician
(Source: Southwell Opticians)

Duties and Tasks

As a optical dispenser, you would:

takes facial measurements and assists customer in choice of frame.

use specialist measuring equipment for fittings

work from prescriptions written by optometrists and opthamologists

advise on fit, style and weight of glasses frames

explain and recommend glass' lens and contact lens options

complete basic repairs on glasses frames

process payments and make appointments

order stocks of trial contact lenses.

shapes and fits lenses into frames.

repairs spectacles, and sells a range of optical goods.

Optical dispensers interpret different optical prescriptions and fit frames and lenses.

Their responsibilities include discussing eyewear needs with clients, as well as helping clients to choose an appropriate frame that meets prescription requirements. They are also in charge of discussing and recommending different types of lenses and lens enhancements, shaping lenses, fitting lenses to frames, and making sure that eyewear fits correctly on a client.

Optical dispensers must be able to make minor repairs to damaged frames, clean the laboratory area, handle computer printouts, and maintain department logs. Other tasks include adjusting patient eyeglass frames, maintaining optical supplies, answering telephones, maintaining inventory and client records, and resolving any client complaints.

Working conditions

Optical dispensers typically work alongside or under optometrists, ophthalmologists, and/or optical mechanics. They typically work indoors and may work part time or full time. As a optical dispenser, you would usually work a standard numbers of hours per week, including Saturdays. Part-time hours are also often available.

You would be based in a retail setting and spend your time dealing with clients and customers. You may be required to wear a uniform.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an optical dispenser you usually have to complete a VET qualification in optical dispensing. You may be required to have relevant experience or undertake a work placement as part of your course. You may be able to study through distance education.

You may also become an optical dispenser through a traineeship in Optical Dispensing. Generally, employers require a junior secondary school certificate or equivalent.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of optical dispensers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. An ageing population and increasing rates of chronic disease are expected to lead to greater demand for corrective eyewear. Optical dispensers are employed by optical dispensing firms or optometrists. They may also run their own dispensing businesses. They operate throughout metropolitan areas and larger country towns.

Shifts in fashion tend to influence popular styles of glasses and therefore also impact upon the work of, and demand for, optical dispensers. There is also a demand for specialised glasses, such as no-line bifocals, half glasses for reading, glasses made of thinner and lighter lens materials, sunglasses and glasses with other enhancements such as cosmetic tints and reflection-free coatings.