Welcome

Welcome to the Canadian Association of Optometrist’s website for Optometric Assistants. An Optometric Assistant is specially trained in assisting an optometrist, in an optometric practice, in the provision of eye care to patients. Assisting is challenging, fun, and deeply satisfying.

Typically Optometric Assistants have a variety of responsibilities that include:

Reception and telephone handling Preliminary testing of patients Advising patients on lens and frame selections Repairing and adjusting eyeglasses Training contact lens patients Helping children practice visual skills Assisting the optometrist chairside Teaching low vision patients how to use special devices

Assistants work with infants to seniors, men and women, the disabled, and people from every walk of life. In the optometric health care environment patients (and assistants) rarely deal with pain, death, or blood. The daily focus is on providing clarity of vision and on keeping eyes as healthy as possible. There’s never a dull moment in an optometric practice!

Please use and enjoy this website. We provide information about certification of Optometric Assistants, re-certification and continuing education for those who are already certified, as well as on-line educational courses and links to related websites.

Optometric assisting is a stimulating and gratifying career choice. You make a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis, and you help optometrists provide outstanding health care services. We welcome you to contact us for further information.