Who are Paraoptometrics?
Paraoptometrics are allied health professionals who assist optometrists in providing their highest level of vision care to patients. Paraoptometrics are allied health personnel who extend the optometrist's capabilities by assuming routine and technical aspects of vision care services.  Paraoptometrics are to optometrists what paralegals are to lawyers.

What tasks does a Paraoptometric perform?
Depending upon experience, paraoptometrics perform a variety of duties such as front desk procedures, billing and coding of insurance claims, and patient scheduling.  Under the supervision of their employing optometrist, paraoptometrics may also perform more clinical duties such as pre-testing patients, contact lens procedures, and ophthalmic optics and dispensing of eyewear. Front office procedures, chair-side assisting, pre-testing, contact lens instruction, frame styling and fitting, and vision therapy are just a few of to both patients and staff.  As a part of the vision care team, they help build patient confidence the many duties paraoptometrics perform while working directly with an optometrist.   A majority of optometrists utilize three or more paraoptometrics in the office.  Well-trained personnel build an office-patient relationship which is not only invaluable to the optometrist, but also provides great satisfaction and satisfaction.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recognizes three levels of certified paraoptometrics: Certified Paraoptometric (CPO), Certified Paraoptometric Assistant (CPOA) and Certified Paraoptometric Technician (CPOT).

• The CPO typically carries out a wide variety of front desk procedures such as scheduling appointments, recalling patients, handling insurance forms, accepting payments, and screening telephone calls. They may also be trained in the different styles of eyewear, frame repair and adjusting, office materials purchasing and other duties of a non-technical nature.
• Under the supervision of an optometrist, a CPOA may perform technical duties such as taking detailed patient histories, measuring visual acuity, measuring the curvature of the cornea (keratometry), glaucoma screening, blood pressure testing, and measuring the distance between the pupils of the eye.
• A CPOT may be responsible for all of the above as well as ordering prescription eyewear, modifying contact lenses, explaining contact lens care regimens, photographing the interior of the eye, supervising vision therapy and low-vision training and any other duties that the optometrist may delegate.

Paraoptometric Employment Information
There are many opportunities for qualified individuals that can provide valuable service for the increasing population. The Department of Labor indicates that the employment of health care assistants is expected to increase by 27% or more between 2004 and 2014.   This is due to the increased aging population and the demand for skilled personnel to meet the needs of technological advancements.  Additionally, this growth is driven by the increase in the number of practices, clinics, and other health care facilities.  The Department of Labor also states that “those with formal training or experience, particularly for those with certification, will be the preference of those health care employers hiring.”

Demand for well-trained paraoptometrics is extremely high. Formal training programs regularly boast three or four job openings per graduate. In addition, many optometrists are willing to offer on the job training to those individuals who are highly motivated and health career oriented.

Annual income will vary greatly depending on the size, type and location of the practice in which you are employed. The average paraoptometric works 25-40 hours per week and 19% of survey responders indicated that their earnings were more than $35,000 annually.

Education and Training
Paraoptometric training is available through formal education programs or training on the job.  Some formal programs offer a two-year program providing education for students to earn an Associate of Science degree (A.S.) while other programs offer a one-year technical diploma course that can be completed in nine months of full-time study.

The AOA Paraoptometric Section offers a two-part series of easy-to-use online courses.  The Online Paraoptometric Training-Navigator (OPT-N) program was designed with convenience in mind. 

In addition to having a minimum of a high school diploma, individuals considering a career as a paraoptometric should consider these guidelines:

Suggested High School Courses/College
Courses: Algebra, Biology, Anatomy, English, Communication, Psychology, and be computer literate.
Attitudes and Interests: Interest in health care, possess maturity, interpersonal skills, and have an ability to follow procedures.

Personal Advancement, Recognition and Affiliation
Many paraoptometrics, regardless of their level of training, often attend continuing education seminars to keep their skills current and to maintain a certification designation.  Paraoptometrics interested in career advancement and affiliation can join the Paraoptometric Section of the AOA. This national association is organized to promote, advance and enhance the identity of both paraoptometrics and their optometrists. The group also encourages and provides quality continuing education for paraoptometric personnel.

The AOA Commission on Paraoptometric Certification (CPC) offers paraoptometrics the opportunity to be recognized for their level of career knowledge and skill by way of voluntary certification. Nationally accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the CPC offers three progressive levels of testing that enhances career growth opportunities and future advancements. 

What is the AOA Paraoptometric Section?
The AOA Paraoptometric Section is the nation’s largest organization serving the needs of optometric assistants and technicians. The purpose of the Paraoptometric Section is to offer continuing education opportunities, service recognition, professional development and promotion, and opportunities for its members to be involved with a national, professional association. The Paraoptometric Section promotes a health-team concept in the delivery of optometric care and enhances the identity of both the optometrist and the paraoptometric.

Who is Eligible for Membership in the AOA Paraoptometric Section?
Any ancillary, allied health professional sponsored by an AOA member optometrist is eligible for membership in the AOA Paraoptometric Section.

Let the American Optometric Association be the Key to Expanding Your Career Goals
For more information regarding Paraoptometric membership, certification, or formal training programs, contact:

American Optometric Association
Paraoptometric Group
243 N. Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis MO  63141-7881
(800) 365-2219
http://www.aoa.org

Posted: December 2009