17 Optometric Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

An optometric assistant helps optometrists provide quality eye care. They may be responsible for a wide range of duties, from helping patients choose frames and contact lenses to preparing patients for eye exams and administering tests.

If you’re looking for a career in the medical field, optometric assistant is a great option. And, to help you land the job, we’ve put together a list of sample interview questions and answers.

Are you comfortable working with patients of all ages and walks of life?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your ability to work with a diverse group of patients. This is especially important if the optometry office you’re interviewing for serves many different types of people, such as those who are elderly or have special needs. Your answer should demonstrate that you can be empathetic and compassionate toward all types of patients.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with patients of all ages and walks of life. In my previous role, I worked in an urgent care facility where we saw patients of all ages, including infants, children, teenagers and adults. I learned how to interact with each patient based on their age and unique personality. For example, when treating young children, I make sure to speak slowly and use simple language so they understand what I’m saying.”

What are some of the most important skills for an optometric assistant to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your strongest skills and how they relate to optometry assistant work.

Example: “Some important skills for an optometric assistant include excellent communication skills, attention to detail and organization. These skills are essential because I would need to communicate with patients and other medical professionals while also ensuring that all patient records were organized and up-to-date. Attention to detail is also important because I would be working with sensitive equipment and medications, so it’s vital that I pay close attention to what I’m doing.”

How would you describe the relationship between an optometrist and an optometric assistant?

This question helps employers understand your perspective on the role of an optometric assistant and how you view yourself in relation to a practicing optometrist. Your answer should show that you respect the authority of the optometrist while also demonstrating your ability to work independently when necessary.

Example: “I believe that an optometrist is responsible for diagnosing patients, prescribing treatment plans and managing patient expectations. An optometric assistant’s primary responsibility is assisting the optometrist with these tasks as needed. For example, I would help my optometrist by organizing files, preparing equipment and communicating with patients during appointments.”

What is your experience working with patients who have special needs?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience working with patients who are visually impaired or have other disabilities. They want to make sure that you can provide the same level of care for these patients as you would for others. In your answer, explain how you’ve helped a patient in the past and what steps you took to ensure they received quality care.

Example: “I worked at my previous job for two years, where I assisted the optometrist with all his patients. One of our patients was blind, so I had to learn new ways to help him navigate through the office and communicate with us. I learned sign language and made sure he always had someone available to interpret for him.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to help a patient who was nervous or upset.

Interviewers may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to calm patients. In your answer, try to describe a specific situation in which you helped a patient feel more comfortable or reassured them that they were in good hands.

Example: “I once had a patient who was nervous about getting their eyes dilated for the first time. I explained the process to them and answered all of their questions so they felt more at ease. After the appointment, they told me how much they appreciated my reassurance and patience. They said it made the experience much less stressful.”

If a patient has a medical condition that affects their eyes, what would be your course of action if you noticed symptoms of the condition during your exam?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of optometry and how you would handle specific situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the steps you would take to ensure the patient’s safety during their exam.

Example: “If I noticed symptoms of a medical condition during an exam, I would immediately stop the exam and inform my supervisor. Then, I would ask the patient if they have any other appointments scheduled that day so we could reschedule them for another time. If not, I would call the patient back in as soon as possible to complete the exam.”

What would you do if you noticed a coworker making a mistake while performing an exam on a patient?

This question can help interviewers understand how you work with others and your ability to communicate. Your answer should show that you are willing to speak up when necessary, but also that you value teamwork and collaboration.

Example: “If I noticed a coworker making an error during an exam, I would first make sure the patient was comfortable and not in any danger. Then, I would ask my coworker if they needed assistance or clarification on anything. If they still seemed confused, I would offer to take over the rest of the exam so they could review their notes.”

How well do you pay attention to detail?

Attention to detail is an important skill for optometric assistants. They must be able to notice small details about their patients, such as the color of a patient’s eyes or how much they squint when looking at something. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to pay attention to detail and ensure that you can perform your job well. In your answer, explain that you are very good at paying attention to detail and give examples of times in your past where you did so.

Example: “I am excellent at paying attention to detail. I always double-check my work before giving it to my supervisor. For example, if I’m entering information into the computer, I will check the accuracy of each keystroke before moving on to the next one. This helps me avoid making mistakes.”

Do you have experience using eye charts to test a patient’s vision?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience and skill with optometry equipment. If you have previous experience using eye charts, describe a time when you used one to test a patient’s vision and how you did it. If you do not have prior experience, explain that you are willing to learn how to use an eye chart if necessary.

Example: “I have never used an eye chart before, but I am eager to learn. In my last position as an optometric assistant, I assisted the doctor in testing patients’ vision by asking them to read letters on a card. I would then record their answers and relay the information to the doctor.”

When performing an eye exam, how do you determine if a patient’s eyes are dilated enough to continue?

This question can help an interviewer determine how you apply your knowledge of eye health and safety to the job. Your answer should show that you understand the importance of following protocols for dilating patients’ eyes and ensuring their safety during exams.

Example: “I always make sure to follow my supervisor’s instructions regarding when a patient is ready to continue with an exam after dilation. However, I also use my own judgment to ensure that the patient is comfortable and safe throughout the rest of the exam. For example, if a patient seems uncomfortable or in pain, I will ask them if they would like to take a break before continuing. If they say yes, then I will wait until they are ready to proceed.”

We want to be known as a practice that provides excellent customer service. How would you improve our customer service practices?

Interviewers may ask this question to see how you can improve their current customer service practices. To answer, think about what your previous employer did that helped them provide great customer service. You can also use your own experiences as a customer to give examples of what makes for good and bad customer service.

Example: “I’ve worked in optometry offices where the front desk staff were very friendly and helpful. They always greeted patients with a smile and asked if they could help them find anything before they even had to ask. I’ve also worked in offices where the front desk staff weren’t as friendly or helpful. In those situations, I would suggest training on customer service skills so everyone knows how to be more welcoming.”

Describe your experience working with optical equipment.

This question helps employers determine your comfort level with working in an optometry office. They want to know that you have experience using the equipment they use and can perform tasks like measuring patients’ eyesight, recording information and organizing files.

Example: “I worked as a receptionist at my uncle’s optometry practice for three years. During that time, I learned how to work with all of the optical equipment used in his office, including digital retinal cameras, eye charts and autorefractors. I also became familiar with the software he uses to record patient data and create treatment plans.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for the position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can help them with their business. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are the best candidate for the job. Think about what skills you have that will benefit the optometry office.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate because I am highly organized and detail-oriented. In my previous role as an optometric assistant, I helped organize patient files and assisted doctors with scheduling appointments. My organizational skills allowed me to keep track of important documents and information so I could provide excellent customer service to patients.”

Which optical equipment do you have the most experience using?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with optical equipment. It can also show them which types of equipment you’re familiar with and how comfortable you are using it. When answering this question, try to list the specific brands or models of equipment that you have used in previous jobs.

Example: “In my last position as an optometric assistant, I was responsible for helping patients select eyeglasses frames and lenses. I had extensive experience working with a variety of different frame styles and materials, including titanium, plastic and wood. I also helped patients choose their lens options, such as tinted, photochromic and polarized. I am very comfortable assisting patients with these decisions.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of an eye exam?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to assess your knowledge of optometry and how you prioritize tasks. Your answer should show that you understand what an eye exam entails, including its purpose and the steps involved in performing one.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of an eye exam is determining whether or not a patient has any vision problems. This involves asking them questions about their vision and performing tests to see if they can identify objects at different distances. I also think it’s important to ensure that patients have glasses that fit properly so they can get the best use out of them.”

How often should an eye exam be performed?

This question can help an interviewer determine your knowledge of eye health and safety. It’s important to know that regular exams are necessary for maintaining healthy eyes, so it’s beneficial to have a thorough understanding of the exam process and how often they should be performed.

Example: “Eye exams should be performed at least once every two years, but I recommend scheduling them more frequently if you’re experiencing any vision problems or changes in your prescription. If you haven’t had an exam recently, I would encourage you to schedule one as soon as possible.”

There is a new treatment for glaucoma that the doctor wants to try on a patient. As an optometric assistant, how would you help them decide whether or not to recommend the treatment?

This question is a great way to show your knowledge of optometry and how you can help the doctor make important decisions. When answering this question, it’s helpful to use specific examples from your experience that highlight your ability to think critically about treatment options.

Example: “In my experience working with glaucoma patients, I’ve noticed that there are several different types of glaucoma. Some treatments work better for certain types than others. For example, one patient I worked with had open-angle glaucoma. The doctor recommended laser surgery as a treatment option because it was more effective in treating their type of glaucoma than medication. However, another patient I worked with had closed-angle glaucoma, which made laser surgery too risky. Instead, they opted for medication.”