Optometric technology programs prepare people to help optometrists in vision clinics and offices. Students learn to care for patients, test their vision, and fit glasses and contact lenses. They also learn to keep records.

"Read the top line of letters for me." "Which slide is clearer – this one or the next one? Slide 1 or slide 2?" If you recognize these phrases, you've probably had a vision test at least once in your life. Maybe this was because you had to squint to read street signs or suffered frequent headaches. Or maybe you got a vision test just as part of a general health checkup.

Even if you don't wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, it's not hard to appreciate the value of good eyesight and healthy eyes. If this is the case for you, and if you love to help people and have good technical skills, you may want to consider optometric technology.

As a student in this program, you learn about the structure of the eye and how it works. You also learn how to run different kinds of vision tests on patients in order to help an eye doctor make diagnoses. You practice interacting with patients and asking them questions about their medical history. Since optometric technicians also sometimes help run vision care offices, you may also learn basic business management skills.

Only a few schools in the United States offer diplomas, certificates, or associate degrees in optometric technology. A diploma or certificate typically takes one to two years of full-time study after high school. An associate degree's usually takes two years.