Welcome to the CAO area for optometric assistants (OAs). OAs are specially trained in assisting an optometrist, in an optometric practice and in the provision of eye care to patients. Assisting is challenging, fun and deeply satisfying.

Typically, OAs have a variety of responsibilities that may include the following:

• 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.

OAs 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 area of the site. We provide information about certification of OAs, 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 help optometrists provide outstanding health care services. We welcome you to contact us for further information.