How to Be Ocularist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 28, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The role of an Ocularist is to provide custom-made prosthetic eyes to those who have lost an eye. Ocularists must possess a wide range of skills, including sculpting, painting, and molding. It is essential for them to have a keen eye for detail and the ability to create a realistic prosthetic eye.

The effect of this is that people with ocular prostheses are able to look more natural and feel more confident in their appearance. The work of an Ocularist also has a positive effect on the quality of life of their patients. By providing a sense of normalcy and confidence, Ocularists can have a profound impact on the lives of those with ocular prostheses.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Ocularists must have a high school diploma or equivalent in order to pursue a career in the field.
Earn a bachelors degree. Most employers require ocularists to have a bachelors degree in a related field like art, optics, or industrial design.
Research available apprenticeships. Ocularists typically learn the trade through an apprenticeship. Contact the National Examining Board of Ocularists (NEBO) to find out about available apprenticeships in the field.
Complete an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships typically take between 1-3 years and involve training in eye anatomy, prosthetic fabrication, and fitting of prostheses, as well as other tasks related to the field.
Pass certification exams. After completing an apprenticeship, ocularists must pass two certification exams administered by the NEBO in order to become certified.
Apply for licensure. Depending on the state, ocularists may need to apply for a license in order to practice in that state. Requirements vary by state, so check with the local licensing board to determine what is needed.

For an ocularist to stay ahead and competent, they must remain up to date on the latest technology and scientific advancements in the field. This can be done through continual education, such as attending conferences, reading journals and taking courses. Furthermore, it is important to continuously practice the necessary skills and techniques to master the craft.

Keeping a positive attitude and being open to change are also important components of remaining competent. Finally, collaboration with other professionals in the field can help an ocularist stay ahead of the competition and provide the best possible care to their patients.

You may want to check Eye Care Administrator, Ophthalmic Photographer, and Visual Field Technologist for alternative.

Job Description

Fit, shape, and color artificial eyes to match the patient's natural eye.
Help patients care for their artificial eyes.
Take impressions of the patient's socket to create a custom-fit prosthesis.
Create models of the patient's eye socket to ensure an accurate fit.
Keep detailed records of each patient's treatment and progress.
Consult with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal outcomes.
Educate patients and their families on the use and care of their artificial eyes.
Conduct research to stay up-to-date on advances in ocular prosthetics.
Repair or modify existing ocular prostheses as needed.
Perform regular maintenance on existing prostheses, such as repainting and polishing.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in the anatomy and physiology of the eye
Ability to create, fit, and adjust ocular prostheses
Proficiency in the use of specialized tools, materials, and equipment
Knowledge of the principles of color and light
Understanding of facial symmetry and facial anatomy
Good communication skills to interact with patients
Ability to follow safety protocols for handling hazardous materials
Understanding of medical terminology and coding
Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations
Ability to maintain accurate patient records
Ability to work as part of a healthcare team
Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Computer literacy

Having a strong set of skills is essential for any ocularist who wishes to succeed in their craft. A successful ocularist should possess knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and prosthetic materials, along with a passion for helping their patients. They must also have an eye for detail and accuracy, as well as strong interpersonal skills in order to effectively communicate with their patients.

Good problem-solving skills are also important, as ocularists must be able to quickly identify the best solution to a patients unique needs. Furthermore, ocularists must be able to work quickly and efficiently in order to keep up with the demands of their profession. Doing so ensures that they will be able to provide the best possible care to their patients.

Lastly, a successful ocularist must be patient and compassionate, as they will be dealing with individuals who may be dealing with a range of emotions. By possessing all of these invaluable skills and qualities, an ocularist will be able to provide the highest quality of care for their patients.

Ophthalmic Technician, Contact Lens Technician, and Clinical Research Coordinator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as an ocularist?
What techniques do you use when creating ocular prosthetics?
How do you maintain a professional relationship with patients?
What is your experience with designing custom ocular prosthetics?
How do you stay up to date on the latest advancements in ocular prosthetic technology?
Describe how you communicate with patients regarding their treatment plan and desired results.
What challenges have you faced when working with patients who have complex eye conditions?
How do you ensure that each patient receives the highest quality of care?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy and precision when creating ocular prosthetics?
How do you handle difficult conversations or situations when working with patients?

Common Tools in Industry

Ocular Prosthetic Articulator. A device used to measure the eye socket and create a customized prosthesis. (eg: Märtens Ocular Prosthetic Articulator)
Ocular Impressions Kit. A set of tools used to take impressions of the eye socket for creating a custom prosthesis. (eg: Diamant Ocular Impressions Kit)
Ocular Painting Supplies. A variety of paints and supplies used to recreate the iris, sclera, and pupil of the prosthesis. (eg: Prosthetic Artistry Ocular Painting Supplies)
Ocular Polishing Equipment. A set of tools used to refine the surface of the prosthesis, which helps to ensure a more natural appearance. (eg: Vertex Ocular Polishing Equipment)
Ocular Fitting Tools. A variety of tools used to fit and secure the prosthesis in the eye socket. (eg: Vertex Ocular Fitting Tools)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Ocularists (ASO)
International Ocular Prosthetics Association (IOPA)
British Association of Ocularists (BAO)
International Association of Ocularists (IAO)
Canadian Association of Ocularists (CAO)
European Association of Ocularists (EAO)
American Institute of Ocularists (AIO)
International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO)
World Council of Optometry (WCO)
American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)

We also have Optician, Ophthalmic Nurse, and Optometrist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Ocular Prosthesis. A prosthetic device used to replace an eye. It is made from medical-grade materials and is custom-fitted to an individuals eye socket.
Ocularist Training. Training to become an ocularist, which typically involves learning about the anatomy of the eye, how to create a custom prosthetic device, and how to fit it to a patients eye socket.
Ocular Anatomy. The study of the anatomy and physiology of the eye. Ocularists must have a comprehensive understanding of the eye in order to be able to create and fit a prosthetic device.
Artificial Eye. A prosthetic device designed to replace an eye. Artificial eyes are typically made of acrylic, silicone, or a combination of both materials.
Ocular Socket. The hollow space in the eye socket where an artificial eye is placed. Ocularists are responsible for measuring and fitting the prosthetic device to the patients socket.
Ocularist Exam. An exam taken by individuals seeking to become certified as an ocularist. The exam typically consists of a written portion and a practical portion in which the individual must demonstrate their knowledge and skill in creating and fitting a prosthetic device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Ocularist? A1: An Ocularist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the fitting and fabrication of custom ocular prostheses, also known as artificial eyes. Q2: How long does it take to make an artificial eye? A2: It typically takes an Ocularist 1-2 weeks to make an artificial eye, depending on the complexity of the design. Q3: What materials are used to make an artificial eye? A3: Artificial eyes are usually made from hand-painted acrylic or medical grade silicone. Q4: What is the purpose of an ocular prosthesis? A4: Ocular prostheses are used to restore the appearance of an eye that has been lost due to disease or trauma. They can also help to improve the wearer's self-confidence. Q5: How often should an artificial eye be replaced? A5: Artificial eyes should typically be replaced every 5-7 years, depending on the condition of the prosthesis and the amount of wear and tear it has experienced.

Web Resources

New Ocularist Service | Department of Ophthalmology and Visual medicine.uiowa.edu
Ocularist Webvision webvision.med.utah.edu
The Education and Role of Ocularists Present and Future www.academia.edu