quality standards of ophthalmic equipment
The various national or international quality standards for ophthalmic equipment (glasses, lenses, etc) such as ISO 10685-1:2011.
Opticians help to improve and correct an individual's vision. They fit spectacle lenses and frames, contact lenses, and other devices according to the specifications of the individual. Their scope of practice varies according to national regulations and they might operate according to prescriptions provided by a specialised doctor in ophthalmology or an optometrist in the countries where requested.
Competences and skills
61 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 5 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competenceCross-sector
4 competenceseye protection regulations
Eye protection regulations and relevant standards in relation to occupational visual requirements.
health care legislation
The patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.
optical glass characteristics
The characteristics of optical glass such as refractive index, dispersion, and chemical properties.
optical instruments
The characteristics and usage of optical instruments such as lens-meter, to determine refractive power of lenses such as glasses.
Essential skills and competences 48 competences
Occupation specific
7 competencesadjust eyeglasses
Shape and bend plastic or metal eyeglass frames in order to adjust eyeglasses to fit customers using pliers and hands and applying heat if necessary.
advise customers on eyewear maintenance
Provide customers with detailed advice on the correct use and maintenance of eyewear.
fit low vision aids
Assure the proper specialised visual appliance is fitted for the partially sighted person.
make referrals to ophthalmology
Transfer the care of a patient to the ophthalmology service, the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology and diseases of the eye.
repair lenses
Repair or replace damaged lenses for customers' spectacles.
use lensometer
Use a lensometer to take measurements for clients who do not have a prescription in order to make eyeglasses and lenses.
use ophthalmic instruments
Use specialised instruments in ophthalmology such as phoropter, tonometers, wire speculum, iris forceps, lid plate or Beer`s knife.
Sector-specific
18 competencesaccept own accountability
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
advise on contact lense maintenance
Advise patients on how to clean and wear contact lenses to maximise lifespan and minimise risk of complications.
advise on healthcare users' informed consent
Ensure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.
apply context specific clinical competences
Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.
comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice
Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.
contribute to continuity of health care
Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.
cut lenses for eyeglasses
Shape and cut lenses to fit into frames for eyeglasses, according to prescriptions or specifications.
ensure safety of healthcare users
Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.
handle contact lenses
Demonstrate how to insert, remove and care for contact lenses; ensure that contact lenses will fit correctly and feel comfortable.
maintain records of clients' prescriptions
Keep records of customers' prescriptions, payments and work orders sent to the laboratory.
maintain relationship with customers
Build a lasting and meaningful relationship with customers in order to ensure satisfaction and fidelity by providing accurate and friendly advice and support, by delivering quality products and services and by supplying after-sales information and service.
maintain relationship with suppliers
Build a lasting and meaningful relationship with suppliers and service providers in order to establish a positive, profitable and enduring collaboration, co-operation and contract negotiation.
monitor stock level
Evaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.
operate cash register
Register and handle cash transactions by using point of sale register.
operate optical measuring equipment
Operate optical measuring equipment to take client's measurements. Determine bridge and eye size, papillary distance, vertex distance, optical eye centres, etc., in order to manufacture customised eyeglasses or contact lenses.
perform frames' repairs
Repair/replace damaged frames or glasses for customers.
sell optical products
Sell glasses and sunglasses, contact lenses, spectacles, binoculars, cleaning kits and other eye-related products, according to customer's needs in terms of optical requirements such as bi-focals, varifocals and reactolite.
work in multidisciplinary health teams
Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.
Cross-sector
23 competencesachieve sales targets
Reach set sales goals, measured in revenue or sold units. Reach the target within a specific timeframe, prioritise sold products and services accordingly and plan in advance.
adhere to organisational guidelines
Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.
apply numeracy skills
Practise reasoning and apply simple or complex numerical concepts and calculations.
apply organisational techniques
Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.
comply with legislation related to health care
Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.
comply with optical prescriptions
Interpret and coordinate frames and eye measurements in accordance with the customer's optical prescriptions.
deal with emergency care situations
Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.
dispense corrective lenses
Dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses according to doctors' prescriptions.
educate on the prevention of illness
Offer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve their environment and health conditions. Provide advice on the identification of risks leading to ill health and help to increase the patients' resilience by targeting prevention and early intervention strategies.
empathise with the healthcare user
Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.
ensure client orientation
Take actions which support business activities by considering client needs and satisfaction. This involves understanding what customers want, providing advices, selling products and services or processing complaints, while adopting a positive attitude.
follow clinical guidelines
Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.
have computer literacy
Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
digital
interact with healthcare users
Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.
listen actively
Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.
manage healthcare users' data
Keep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, written and electronic) are treated confidentially.
manage staff
Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.
prepare optical laboratory activities
Prepare and oversee work scheme and day-to-day activities for the optical laboratory.
process payments
Accept payments such as cash, credit cards and debit cards. Handle reimbursement in case of returns or administer vouchers and marketing instruments such as bonus cards or membership cards. Pay attention to safety and the protection of personal data.
promote inclusion
Promote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive environment.
respond to changing situations in health care
Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.
verify lenses compliance
Verify that lenses are according to the specifications.
work in a multicultural environment in health care
Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.
Optional skills and competences 8 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competencesadvise customers on optical instruments maintenance
Provide customers with advice on the correct use and maintenance of other optical instruments such as binoculars, sextants, night vision, etc.
provide treatment strategies for challenges to human health
Identify possible treatment protocols for the challenges to human health within a given community in cases such as infectious diseases of high consequences at the global level.
use e-health and mobile health technologies
Use mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.
digital
Cross-sector
5 competencesdevelop a collaborative therapeutic relationship
Develop a mutually collaborative therapeutic relationship during treatment, fostering and gaining healthcare users' trust and cooperation.
inform policy makers on health-related challenges
Provide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.
provide health education
Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.
use foreign languages for health-related research
Use foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.
use foreign languages in patient care
Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.