Pediatric Optician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of healthcare, the role of pediatric opticians has never been more crucial.

As vision care advances, the need for skilled professionals who can diagnose, correct, and manage children’s ocular health becomes ever more paramount.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric optician?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the nuances of pediatric optometry,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric optician job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Optician Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Opticians specialize in providing eye care services to children.

They possess excellent knowledge of children’s vision and ocular health needs, and are skilled in communicating and working with young patients.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conducting detailed eye tests and examinations for children
• Identifying vision problems and prescribing suitable corrective lenses or other treatments
• Offering advice and information to parents or guardians about eye care, including hygiene, diet, and other preventive measures
• Fitting and adjusting eyeglasses or contact lenses, ensuring they are comfortable and properly fitted for children
• Collaborating with Pediatricians and other healthcare professionals to manage the vision care of the child
• Keeping accurate medical records for all patients
• Assisting in the selection of eyeglass frames that are suitable for children in terms of style, size, and durability
• Staying updated on the latest advancements and trends in pediatric optometry
• Educating children and their parents on proper eyewear cleaning and care
• Addressing any concerns or questions from the patients or their parents, providing reassurance when necessary

 

Pediatric Optician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly-skilled Pediatric Optician to join our team.

The Pediatric Optician will be responsible for diagnosing and treating visual problems in children, prescribing and fitting eyeglasses or contact lenses, and providing expert advice on eye care.

The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of children’s eye care, be patient, compassionate, and have excellent communication skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Performing eye examinations and vision tests to determine prescription
• Diagnosing sight problems, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness, and eye diseases, such as glaucoma
• Prescribing eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other visual aids, or medication
• Educating patients about proper eye care techniques
• Referring patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians when required
• Working with children and their parents to make them comfortable during examinations
• Keeping updated on the latest trends and research in pediatric optometry
• Maintaining accurate records of patients’ ocular health

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree
• Current license to practice optometry
• Proven work experience as an Optician, preferably with children
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong knowledge of pediatric eye conditions and treatments
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with patience and professionalism

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Optician
• Work Environment: Medical office or hospital setting. Some travel may be required for conferences or continued education.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Optometrist or Clinic Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $110,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Optician Do?

Pediatric Opticians are specialized healthcare professionals who primarily deal with the eye care needs of children.

They conduct vision tests and analyze results to identify anomalies and diseases.

They also help in prescribing corrective lenses and eye exercises to improve visual acuity and coordination.

Pediatric Opticians are skilled in fitting and dispensing spectacles or contact lenses specifically designed for children.

This includes advising on, fitting, and supplying the most suitable spectacles considering factors such as the age of the child, lifestyle, and visual requirements.

They also provide guidance to parents on how to handle eye conditions in children, the importance of regular checkups, and advice on protective eyewear for various activities.

In some cases, they may collaborate with pediatric ophthalmologists or other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive eye care or treatment for more complex eye conditions.

Pediatric Opticians play a vital role in the early detection of eye conditions, ensuring the child’s visual health is not a hindrance in their growth and development.

 

Pediatric Optician Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Pediatric Optician should possess the qualifications and skills that are apt for this speciality, such as:

• Comprehensive knowledge of visual system development in children and the ability to diagnose and treat vision disorders in this age group.
• Proficient in using modern diagnostic tools and equipment to examine children’s eyes accurately.
• Strong interpersonal skills to be able to interact effectively with children and their parents, helping them understand eye conditions and the treatments involved.
• Patience and emotional intelligence to deal with young patients who may be scared or uncooperative during eye examinations or procedures.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain eye health, vision issues, and corrective lens options to parents and caregivers.
• Technical skills and precision to provide children with fitting glasses or contact lenses, ensuring comfort and maximum vision correction.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills to identify issues during eye examinations and come up with appropriate treatment plans.
• Continual professional development to keep up-to-date with advancements in pediatric optometry and the latest eyewear trends suitable for children.

 

Pediatric Optician Experience Requirements

Pediatric Opticians typically obtain a degree in optometry and then specialize in pediatric optometry.

They may also need to complete a residency program focusing on pediatric eye care.

Entry-level Pediatric Opticians generally have 1 to 2 years of experience, which they acquire through internships or part-time roles in pediatric optometry clinics or general optometry practices.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Optometric Assistant, Vision Therapist, or other optometry-related roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level Pediatric Optician roles.

They may have dealt with a wide range of pediatric eye conditions, performed eye exams and prescribed corrective lenses to children, and educated parents on children’s eye care.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background and could be ready for a managerial or team-lead position.

They might also have the expertise to manage complex pediatric eye conditions and perform advanced vision therapies.

Some pediatric optometry clinics or hospitals may require their Pediatric Optician hires to have advanced relevant experience, especially if they are dealing with critical cases or are part of a pediatric ophthalmology team.

Additionally, Pediatric Opticians must possess excellent communication skills as they need to engage with children of varying ages and communicate eye care instructions to parents effectively.

Regular participation in continuing education and professional development activities is also crucial to keep up with the latest advances in pediatric optometry.

 

Pediatric Optician Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Pediatric Optician requires a specific set of education and training.

Initially, they need a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Following this, most prospective Pediatric Opticians enroll in a two-year associate’s degree program in opticianry, where they learn about lens and frame construction, optical math, ophthalmic lab techniques, and other related subjects.

Some states require opticians to be licensed.

The criteria for licensing generally require a high school diploma, graduation from an approved opticianry program, and successfully passing of written and practical examinations.

Pediatric Opticians, who specialize in serving children, often require additional training or experience in child psychology and development.

This helps them to effectively communicate with young patients, understand their vision problems, and design appropriate corrective eyewear.

It’s also recommended for Pediatric Opticians to get certified by the American Board of Opticianry (ABO) and the National Contact Lens Examiners (NCLE).

This certification can enhance career prospects and demonstrates a commitment to the profession and ongoing learning.

Continuing education is crucial in this field due to technological advancements and evolving vision care techniques.

Therefore, many Pediatric Opticians take part in workshops, seminars, and other advanced courses throughout their career.

 

Pediatric Optician Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Optician can expect to earn an average salary of $52,000 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, specializations, location, and the establishment they work for.

 

Pediatric Optician Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Optician need?

A Pediatric Optician should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with children and their parents.

They need to be patient and caring, as dealing with children can sometimes be challenging.

They should also have technical skills related to eye examination, understanding of pediatric eye diseases, and knowledge on fitting and dispensing glasses or contact lenses.

 

Do Pediatric Opticians need a degree?

Yes, Pediatric Opticians need a degree.

They typically have a degree in optometry and are required to be licensed to practice.

Some Pediatric Opticians may have additional training or specialization in pediatric eye care.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Optician resume?

A Pediatric Optician’s resume should list their degree in optometry and their license to practice.

Additional training or specialization in pediatric eye care is a plus.

Look for experience working with children and knowledge about pediatric eye diseases.

You should also look for a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with children and their parents.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Optician?

A good Pediatric Optician is patient, empathetic, and able to communicate effectively with children and their parents.

They should also have a strong understanding of pediatric eye care, including the ability to diagnose and treat various eye conditions.

Good Pediatric Opticians are also detail-oriented, ensuring accurate prescriptions and treatments.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Optician?

On a typical day, a Pediatric Optician may conduct eye examinations, diagnose eye disorders and diseases, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, and provide advice and counseling to patients and their parents.

They may also refer patients to other healthcare providers if necessary.

A significant part of their day may also be spent on administrative tasks, such as maintaining patient records and scheduling appointments.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve brought to light what it truly means to be a pediatric optician.

Surprised?

It’s not just about correcting vision.

It’s about shaping a child’s future, one pair of glasses at a time.

With our handy pediatric optician job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step up your game.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next move towards creating precise job listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every pair of glasses is a step towards a brighter future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Pediatric Optician (Complete Guide)

Bank-Breaking Careers: The 2025 Guide to the Highest Paying Jobs!

The AI Job Shift: Careers Being Redrawn by Technology

Workday Euphoria: Enjoyable Jobs That Are a Daily Delight

Lounge and Earn: Effortless Jobs That Deliver Serious Dough!