Hot Tip -- by Brenda Hutchinson

Eyeing a career in the eye care industry? As with any career you are contemplating, it's an excellent idea to find out where the entry-level positions can be found. Learning where you can start your career will give you excellent "insight" into the industry as a whole, the service providers, the employers within the industry and, of course, the required skills.

As you have learned from reading other articles in this month's e-zine, there are a number of very specific medically-oriented positions within the industry. While it's your choice how you map out your course to get to your chosen career, this month's hot tip will focus on a number of other opportunities and paths you might want to consider as you begin your career in the eye care industry.

One common theme that crosses all positions in eye care is customer service. A wide variety of positions in today's labour market will give you experience in customer service, ranging from retail to office work to the hospitality area. Excellent communication skills will always be required in the eye care industry. These skills will be required in all aspects of the field, for example assisting customers choose frames for their new glasses, administering an eye exam or delivering the news to patients about their eye condition or problem.

You could add another positive asset to your skill repertoire by gaining experience working in a medical setting. Many of the eye care positions involve medical training, or at the very least, a knowledge of medical terminology. Volunteering, working part-time, casually or landing a full-time job in a hospital, clinic or doctor's office will provide excellent work skills and an understanding of the terminology, best practices and the medical field overall.

An entry-level position as a receptionist, file clerk or office assistant in the office of an ophthalmologist or optometrist would provide a great learning experience for anyone interested in the field. Landing that job will require some computer literacy, customer services skills, "an eye for detail," a basic understanding of medical terminology and of course a great résumé and interview.

Another avenue to consider is to explore the world of optical dispensing and learn all about the retail world of eye care products, eyeglasses, contact lenses, frame fashions and eyeglass manufacturing. There are several major companies in Canada and the United States, including LensCrafters that offer positions including: store manager; retail manager; lab manager (or assistant positions); lab technician; apprentice optician; optician; frame stylist or eye wear consultant. The Web site indicates they provide extensive training for each position, so previous experience is not necessary.

Once you've entered the eye care industry as a student, you may want to visit the Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS) Web site. This organization offers free membership to students enrolled in an optometry school. They offer "Graduate Interview Day" which is intended to link graduates with potential employers.

Another site from Alberta lists job opportunities for Calgary and the province in the optometry field.

Finally a tip for those of you who have been staring at your computer far too long. Check out the information and advice found here, your eyes will thank you for it!

(Brenda Hutchinson is a career counsellor supervisor at the Calgary Youth Employment Centre.)