The Paraoptometric Career Ladder is a free member benefit designed for optometric staff (paraoptometrics), whether new to the profession or to a particular job area, to gain the knowledge they need to excel in their professional growth, and to become a more valuable member of the vision care team.
NOTE: To access the full range of benefits offered by the AOA, AOA member ODs may enroll their staff for a free Associate membership!
Click here to request the Paraoptometric Career Ladder for your staff!(You will be prompted to enter you AOA member ID and password to continue.) |
THE PARAOPTOMETRIC CAREER LADDER INCLUDES:
The Assessment Tool
This section provides an assessment form to be printed and used by the employing doctor of optometry or office manager to determine what they think the paraoptometric knows. A different copy should be printed for the paraoptometric to fill out for what they actually do know. Assessing the full range of your staff's abilities and identifying the needed areas for additional training is a team effort and an important step in planning an effective training program. You will check off each item based on your staff's strengths and focus their attention on areas for further development.
The Roadmap
This easy, step-by-step outline provides the term, equipment, process or procedure in each of the six identified job responsibility areas. Based on your assessment of the areas needing additional training, you will be directed to the specific study material and the chapter, unit or article that covers that topic. There may be several references listed to direct you to the appropriate materials to learn more about the subject.
FAQs
What is the Paraoptometric Career Ladder?
The AOA Paraoptometric Resource Center launched another doctor of optometry member benefit that will revolutionize the way optometric practices hire and train staff. The Paraoptometric Career Ladder:
Who is the Paraoptometric Career Ladder designed for?
Paraoptometrics/optometric staff (new or seasoned staff) who work in any of these six job responsibility areas:
• Contact Lens Tech • Optical • Office Administration
• Insurance Processing • Front Desk • Technician
When should the Paraoptometric Career Ladder be used?
The Paraoptometric Career Ladder is designed to be used in a variety of ways, each having its own value and outcomes such as:
Where do you find the training materials used with the Paraoptometric Career Ladder?
Many of the free resources identified in each job area maybe found on the AOA website under the 'Paraoptometric' tab, and the fee-based resources may be ordered through the AOA Marketplace.
Why should every optometric practice use the Paraoptometric Career Ladder?
By utilizing the Paraoptometric Career Ladder you will know that optometric staff are receiving training in the most effective, efficient and consistent manner, whether they begin their training now, three months from now or any time in the future.
Request the Paraoptometric Career Ladder for your staff now!
*The request page is only accessible by AOA member doctors of optometry and paraoptometrics. You will be prompted to sign in with your username and password if you are not already signed in.