Pre-Optometry Track
Click each job title below to read more!
These are the employment opportunities that we recommend to students pursuing optometry school! These positions will provide insight on patient care and may help you develop skills that you can use later as an optometrist.
**Although we recommend these positions, any optometry experience will help you to gain a more complete picture of the field.
1
Optometrist Technician/Associate
Description: An optometric technician works alongside optometrists to conduct preliminary eye tests, take patient histories, operate diagnostic equipment, and assist with contact lens fittings. They may also handle administrative tasks like scheduling and billing.
​
Required Experience/Certifications: Usually requires only a high school diploma and on-the-job training, though completion of an optometric technician training program or certification through the American Optometric Association can make you more competitive.
-
How to get that experience/certification:
-
Apply directly to optometry clinics for entry-level assistant positions.
-
Complete an optometric technician training course (available online or through community colleges).
-
Learn basic ocular anatomy and diagnostic testing through employer training or coursework.
-
Earn CPR/BLS certification if preferred by the employer.
-
​​
Establishments we recommend you explore:
-
LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, and other optical retail clinics in Norman/OKC
-
Independent optometry practices (e.g., Insight Eye Care, Robinson Eye Institute)
2
Optical Laboratory Technician
Description: An optical lab tech fabrics, cuts, and fits lenses into eyeglass frames using precision instruments and ensures correct prescriptions.
​
Required Experience/Certifications: High school diploma and on-the-job training are standard; no formal certification is required in Oklahoma, but optical technology coursework can help.
​
-
How to get that experience/certification:
-
Apply to eyewear labs or optical retailers for entry-level lab technician roles.
-
Learn lens manufacturing and edging techniques through employer-provided training.
-
Consider optical dispensing courses to expand skills.
-
Establishments we recommend you explore:
-
National Vision Inc.
-
EssilorLuxottica lens labs in the region
-
In-house optical labs at local optometry practices
​
3
Ophthalmic Technician
Description: An ophthalmic technician assists ophthalmologists (MDs who specialize in eye health) by performing advanced eye tests, administering eye drops, and capturing diagnostic images. This role provides valuable exposure to medical eye care.
​
Required Experience/Certifications: Some positions require prior experience as an optometric or ophthalmic assistant, but others offer on-the-job training. Certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) through the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology can be beneficial.
​
-
How to get that experience/certification:
-
Start as an optometric technician to gain baseline skills.
-
Apply to ophthalmology clinics that train new technicians.
-
Pursue COA certification once you meet eligibility requirements (through coursework and supervised experience).
-
​
Establishments we recommend you explore:
-
Dean McGee Eye Institute (OKC)
-
Eye Care Associates of South Oklahoma City
-
Retina Specialists of Oklahoma