Exploring Career Paths After a Bachelor of Optometry: Vision Therapist, Optometry Assistant, and Clinical Research
A Bachelor of Optometry opens up a world of possibilities in the field of eye care and vision correction. Beyond becoming an optometrist, this degree offers diverse career paths that cater to various aspects of vision therapy, patient care, and research. In this blog, we will delve into three promising career options available to graduates of a Bachelor of Optometry program: Vision Therapist, Optometry Assistant/Optical Assistant, and Clinical Researcher. Let’s explore the responsibilities, skills, and opportunities that each of these roles offers.
Vision Therapist: Enhancing Visual Skills and Performance
As a Vision Therapist, your primary role is to provide vision therapies to individuals experiencing eye movement or coordination problems. These therapies can also address challenges related to reading, writing, and other visual tasks. One specialized area of vision therapy is Orthoptics, which focuses on correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. Additionally, Orthoptics addresses eye movement disorders like strabismus (crossed eyes) and amblyopia (lazy eye). By implementing tailored vision therapy techniques, you can help patients improve their visual skills and enhance their overall performance.
Optometry Assistant/Optical Assistant: Assisting Optometrists in Patient Care
As a Bachelor of Optometry Assistant or Optical Assistant, you will work closely with optometrists and eye care professionals to provide essential support in the patient treatment. Your responsibilities may include assisting with eye exams, fitting contact lenses and glasses, and even providing assistance during surgeries if required. A crucial aspect of your role is ensuring the cleanliness and sterilization of instruments used by Bachelor of Optometry optometrists. Patient education also falls within your purview, particularly when it comes to guiding them in choosing and fitting new glasses or contacts based on their optometrist’s prescription. This Optometry course duration offers a valuable opportunity to directly impact patients’ eye care journeys and contribute to their visual well-being.
Clinical Researcher: Advancing Knowledge and Innovation in Optometry
Bachelor of Optometry is a field driven by research and development. As a graduate with a Bachelor of Optometry, you may choose to pursue a career as a Clinical Researcher. This role involves conducting research studies and trials that contribute to advancing knowledge and innovation in the field of optometry. By designing and implementing research protocols, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting findings, you play a vital role in shaping the future of eye care. Clinical Researchers collaborate with fellow professionals, contribute to scientific publications, and participate in conferences to share their discoveries and insights. Know more about the BSc optometry course details on your institute’s website.
