What is the role of an optometric technician during a patient examination?

The role of an optometric technician primarily involves assisting the optometrist in the patient examination process, which includes performing preliminary testing and gathering essential patient information. This may involve conducting vision tests, measuring visual acuity, and obtaining patient histories, which are critical for the optometrist to make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

Performing eye surgeries typically falls within the scope of trained ophthalmologists or optometrists with surgical privileges, not optometric technicians. Prescribing corrective lenses is also not within the technician's responsibilities; that task is reserved for licensed optometrists and ophthalmologists. Conducting visual therapy is a specialized function often carried out by trained therapists or optometrists rather than optometric technicians. Ultimately, the primary function of the optometric technician is to ensure that all preliminary procedures are efficiently completed, enabling the optometrist to provide the best possible care.