has the knowledge of an optician decreased? I hear that the ABO test has gotten easier. Many of the older books that I have read are much more detailed and technical than some of the new ones. So do you think that we are learning less or has the focus just changed?
Better training needed.
I do not know about the tests or the books, but the competency level of 80% of the opticians that I come across definitely needs to be increased. Technically they are not up to par. The art of adjusting a pair of eyeglasses has never been mastered by many of them. In my opinion the public is not being very well serve by our profession at this point in time. So I would like to suggest that we all do what we can reverse this trend. We can all be better!
Generally speaking, Opticians have lost much in the last 20 years. We have not advanced our standards of education and/or training and still utilize outdated apprenticeships to train our people. Years past Opticians had to know about the entire field. Contact Lenses, Surfacing, and everything in between. Those folks provided a training process that made folks learn. Today, as we dumb down year after year, the quality of apprenticeship does as well, so training suffers. Many current Opticians (generally speaking, again) are not well-versed in optics and other related disciplines, as evidenced by the poor pass rates on examinations nationwide. The ABO exam used only elementary math, but only 65% (give or take a %) pass. That is not to say that there are some well-rounded Opticians like many on this board who are very intellignet folks, but overall we are slowly deteriorating into the sales clerks demanded by the chains. Will we ever wake up to the opportunities that abound?
Warren
It has not decreased................it just has not increased..............and most of the new knodlege comes from big corporation brain wash.
Chris Ryser
________________________________________
DLO. NA.IC.I.T.PO
http://optochemicals.com............................. http://arcoatings.com
and individually you may be correct, Chris. But as a profession, we are not as well trained and/or educated as in years past. It is my opinion that the folks barely getting by some of todays very basic certification examinations are nearly as well trained as Opticians of the past who were tested to a much higher standard. It is not their fault; the training is lacking today.
It's a little shocking to hear your opinions of opticianry. I don't see the same problem in Ontario.
When I was in school, I learned how to surface and polish glass lenses without electricity, and finish a complete pair of glasses by hand. As well, we studied ophthalmic optics, anatomy and physiology of the eye, ocular pathology, principles of refraction, soft and rigid contact lens therapy, etc.
And since I graduated ('93), the curriculum has expanded, not contracted. Therefore, I have to conclude that opticians today are very well trained.
Or at least you can conclude that opticians who graduate from an opticianry program in Canada are very well trained. ;) However, the vast majority of opticians in the United States have not had any formal training in opticianry.Therefore, I have to conclude that opticians today are very well trained.
If you compare the ABO exam of today with the exam from twenty years ago, I think you would see a noticeable reduction in the overall level of difficulty. Since the ABO exam is considered a demonstration of the minimum level of competency for opticians, one might conclude on this basis that at least the minimum level of knowledge has certainly decreased.
I would speculate that the amount of knowledge of the average career optician hasn't changed much, though the type of their knowledge base probably has. Opticians of today have more lens designs, materials, and coatings to understand, given the plethora of options now available. At the same time, IOLs, contact lenses, and refractive surgeries have significantly impacted the emphasis placed on optics by reducing the total number of high-Rx wearers.
That said, we are certainly seeing more and more non-career opticians entering the field. These are dispensers who have not yet made a long-term commitment to ophthalmic dispensing, and are less likely to invest in a significant amount of training or development.
Best regards,
Darryl
I am glad to hear that the opticians in Canada are getting adequate training. I wish I could say the same thing for my neck of the woods. Here you can see a person in a fast food place one week and see them in a chain store measuring for a PD and seg height the next. I might be exaggerating a little bit but not by much. From what I understand the past rate for licensing opticians in Georgia is about 30%. To me that means that the apprenticeship programs are failing. The training of opticians is in need of a major overhaul. I am new to the forum so I don't know how to start a poll; but I wish someone would start a poll and ask if they believe that opticians are being adequately trained in this country today.
I call on lots of offices where newbies need lots of help. When I first started I had someone who showed me the ropes. I started out part time after school and luckily, someone checked my work to make sure I knew what I was doing. I had a basic knowledge of optics before I started actually dispensing. That's not to say I didn't make my fair share of mistakes. I will never forget the 67 eyesize frame I put a PGX executive trifocal in...I did pass the ABO but only on the third time about 11 years ago. ( I fell into that I'm already an optician so I don't need to study trap) What I find is that a lot of these folks could use an "oldtimer" showing them how it works like I was fortunate enough to have. There are a frightening number of not well trained people out there-sometimes because a Doc want to pay them less, sometimes because no one else applies for the job. I agree with Daryl that a lot of these folks aren't thinking of this as their career and that makes a difference in the long run. I am fighting the good fight though and offering my limited knowledge as often as possible. I still have lots to learn myself after about 20 years in the business so imagine what those newbies don't know!!
Let the refining and improving of your own life keep you so busy that you have little time to criticize others. -H. Jackson Brown Jr.
If the only tool you have is a hammer you will approach every problem as though it were a nail
One problem I come accross is the infliuence of non licensed opticians.
Example someone in retail troubleshooting because patient cannot see with his new rx, says we in the lab made job incorrectly, almost +.12 strong (actually about +.08, wants them remade so patient will see better.
Actual problem ended up being rx made for distance, patient wanted for reading so actually they were +2.00 weak.
Now we are remaking because rx was entered incorrect with a nasty note to the lab, saying Must be exact.
I'm also venting here.
Rich R.
Where I come from, we have a name for those people: "Certified Optometric Assistant" - They are hired by OD's who don't want to pay an optician's salary. This is probably the single biggest source of resentment in Canadian opticians.Originally Posted by Lightbender
:angry:I have to take exception to this comment. I am well aware that there are OD's who hire assistants without any optical knowledge, simply because they are too cheap and too short-sighted (no pun intended) to look at the future success of their business. This scenario is similar to the one Lightbender described, and many of them are non-career like the opticians Darryl mentioned.
But these assistants are not certified, and they will not be unless they go through the certification courses affered through the CAO or AOA. The opticianry courses like those offered through NAIT, Douglas, Seneca and Georgian are certainly much more in-depth and much longer than the CAO's course, but certified optometric assistants do learn the proper skills for frame and lens dispensing, as well as practice management knowledge and basic contact lens information. Since certification is not mandatory, those who choose to become certified are usually the ones who are making this their career.
I believe that every OD office that has a dispensary should have at least one licensed optician on staff who can supervise the work of the assistants. I also believe that only certified assistants should be working in the dispensary with the optician(s). And, while I've had to work with some "cheap" OD's in the past, I've been very privileged to work for the past couple of years with OD's who share the same philosophy as me.
In the US, there is a similar optometric assistant certification program: AOA's Paraoptometric program. The highest certification level, the paraoptometric technician, requires a pretty comprehensive understanding of dispensing, contact lenses, pre-testing, and optometric office procedures. It is definitely for the "career optician," and is certainly every bit as meaningful as the ABO exam. Unfortunately, I don't know that very many optometric assistants ever enter or complete this program though.Since certification is not mandatory, those who choose to become certified are usually the ones who are making this their career
Best regards,
Darryl
I am planning to take the CPOT exam in 2007 or 2008, whichever year it is when Optometry's Meeting is in Seattle. The only reason I'm waiting is that the exam has a practical component, and I think that's the earliest opportunity I have for something close to home.
One thing that I have to say is that I feel that I learn more on my own. It is not the most efficiant way and it is very very slow but as I look for the answer I uncover much along the way. I wish that there were schools like the one Jason attended here in Illinois.
Hey Karen, I've also been around a long time in the trade/profession; 40 years actually and I still maintain that I learn a new trick every day.
Yesterday.... what did I learn?.... oh yes! Lock the bathroom door before sitting down........ but I think that may be an age related problem.
Be well.....Clive
Congratulations, MLM! I would seriously consider ordering their paraoptometric study guide (Home Study Course for Paraoptometric Assistant, ISBN: 0878730796 or the Self-Study Course for Paraoptometric Certification, ISBN: 0750672668), if you haven't already.I am planning to take the CPOT exam in 2007 or 2008, whichever year it is when Optometry's Meeting is in Seattle.
Best regards,
Darryl
I'm sure optometric assistants act professionally and in most cases provide good care. It's nothing personal, but the fact is, 'optometric assistant' is a made-up title and the study program is a private course funded by optometrists associations. Optometric Assistants are not recognized professionals under the RHPA and they may not perform the controlled act of dispensing, unless delegated.
Even if the standard of care was as high as it is for opticians, there is still no regulatory body and no accountability.
Again, don't take it personal, my wife worked as an O/A and I'm not mad at her either. It's the system that is a thorn in the side of opticians. Think about it, if an O/A is given the right to perform all of an opticians scope of practice, without the same training, it undermines opticianry.
Of course it has gone down. When, when we became sales people. When we were opticians things were a lot higher.
When is the last time you attended a course that taught you how to do anything other than sell a product?
Have you ever attended a course that taught you about different types of noses and how to adjust frames for same? Which frames were suited for various types of noses?
When did you attend a course on frames that old you how to adjust temples for different ear shapes, gave multiple temple types and how to adjust them for various ear and mastoid types?>
Ever had a course on frame repair? Soldering? Hinge replacement?
SELL! SELL! Our new product is new an improved SELL!
Oxygen transmittion is the only important thing in contact lenses, the mechanical fit means nothing! SELL, SELL.
If you can keep up the inventories and returns, you can be a successfull ophthalmic assistant. The machines are now so automated, they do all the thinking and work for you. Who, you fix the thing when it breaks? Of course not, call the service technician.
Chip
A license has nothing to do with this. What is on license tests are only what your postential employer would have his people do well. SELL, SELL, SELL.
Last edited by chip anderson; 05-02-2005 at 09:31 AM. Reason: Further Comment
Hats off to England and European Countries such as Germany. Let's talk about the USA because this is where the problem seems to be really at issue.
To see a person as a lens or lab rep who really knows optics is extremely rare.
I have been venting on this subject a lot recently to many reps who waltz into our office and tell me their observations and saying what they are seeing and want my thoughts. The "dumbing down" sales only mentality is coming from all sides. They themselves are not from "the industry". Often their expertise ranges from selling cars to hair pieces.
My personal feeling is that the Vision Care Industry in America and its various sectors are to blame. Making sales is what it is all about. Look at a lot of the ads out there. What does a naked lady with glasses on mean...you certainly don't look at the eyewear first. You are either appalled because you are a female or you go "ga ga" as a male and you are no longer thinking with the right part of the anatomy.
I hate to say it as I have written for a trade publication in the past, but frankly I am finding myself browsing through many of them and then throwing them away because the editorial content is to shine a product in a positive light no matter what because the advertiser is footing a bill. I seek other things to read to stimulate my brain and quench my desire to learn. I have noticed my staff beginning to do the same. Sure CE is there, but as an experienced professional the only CE I find challenging anymore is in the CLSA publication and the ASCRS publications.
It is frustrating to see VCA promote the intensive course they did at this years Expo (how to measure, etc.) perpetuating the anybody can do it and you don't need a degree or certification. (Sorry Rene, I know you and think your terrific, but who is paying your pay check.) On the other hand, review courses to make sure you have gained enough knowledge to pass the ABO & NCLE, Advanced Tests and Para Optometric Assistants (which requires pre-requisite reading and working in the field with a signature) come under fire by the licensed states (who are in the minority) because groups such as the NAO (who no longer presents due to lack of support) and optical training organizations offer them.
On one hand, we have licensed opticians who complain about the ABO as being to basic but often require passing a licensing process that does not include a mandatory formal education requirement, be it 2 years or 4 years along with regulated externships and required hands on in hours before taking their Boards.
There is no standardization in the US. If your licensed in one state you can't practice in another. At the same time, these same individuals often are very hyper critical when education is available that is not guided and presented by them. This is because they want to vehicle their state associations to be the only source of continuing education and making a profit. There is no evolvement to a higher level or "seeing the forrest through the trees".
Hey guys, listen up there is no growth to evolve to refracting and licensing in the other states without formal education statutes. Get your heads out of the sand and take a good look, because if you don't get your act together even on your own, we (even the most knowledgeable) are heading for extinction.
I have heard and experienced myself, that those who are not 'licensed or come from a licensed state" are not true opticians. Be careful as to whom you challenge, because there are many educated, well rounded people in these states. Many of us post on this Board.We are also are the main force in our states. Many of us work for ourselves or in partnerships that include the other O's that could take you on in a heart beat. Frankly, I have reached the point that it can be fun to work beyond licensing parameters under someone elses license who trusts you and your ability. I encourage all my staff to do the same. The money is out there, you just need to know your stuff and never stop learning. Before you go off thinking, what is wrong with this person... I also owned my own business and was also successful at that.
Also, with in the opticianry/educator sector there are individuals that do not work daily in the field but are assisting the chains retail/optometric and MD based offices to compete with basic education to help drive sales. Just enough for basic certification but not enough to work on your own and survive. Some of this education is broadcast and left for the person to interpert with out help. May I remind you, the first thing always to be reduced when profitability is down is training. A big difference between long distance learning and working hands on. So tell me where does this fall?
Next, many people critize the COT, COMT and the CPOT individuals as individuals who they feel are "not worthy". I work side by side with many of them and know their general knowledge and ability. Many can do circles around the people who are trying to denounce their abilities. They are not opticians, they often are educated individuals including BSN's, Masters in Nursing, BS degrees in Biology and other fields seeking a higher degree of knowledge to better do their jobs. I in turn have done my fair share to be cross certified and it enabled me to do the job I do in addition to backing up others. They need all skills but they know when to defer to another. I know many MD's, OD's on a very close basis and they ask for my opinion if they know it is out of their realm. Our goal is to have satisfied patients that return because we can solve their problems.
It is great to go to lecture series at Universities with them to refresh my knowledge and sit in OD clinical series because the truth of the matter is that the CE that is out there that is offered as ABO & NCLE that I can learn from is no longer is a learning experience for me.
:cheers:
wow! Bev you go girl!:p
You are absolutely correct!
Warren
Above statement describes the basic techniques an optician should have before he or she should be even allowed to sell a frame and lenses.
Chris Ryser
________________________________________
DLO. NA.IC.I.T.PO
http://optochemicals.com............................. http://arcoatings.com
in their profession. Us old opticians in the USA still have it. Class of '76 Ferris State.
Yes I took all those courses too! How many optical schools are left? The one at Ferris was closed some years ago?
The opticians are just not desired by the chains. They hire entry level kids and train them only what they want them to know. How many licensed opticians know how to properly fit a pair of glasses? Or certified? Or qualified?
3 years of apprentiship in the 1950s, learning parctical optics from the bottom up and then 3 years of optical and optometric schooling at aPpolytechnicum..........gets me often very disapointed in the profession I originally chose, To read some post's on this board is either very funny and at other times so sad considering the level of basic knowdlege dispayed in the professional field,
More and more I get the feeling that most of the information is learned from large corporation advertising and sales reps.
Chris Ryser
________________________________________
DLO. NA.IC.I.T.PO
http://optochemicals.com............................. http://arcoatings.com
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks