Career for You

• Dispensing Opticians
• Medical Assistants

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Dispensing Opticians

A dispensing optician consults with a client to find an ophthalmic appliance that best meets their needs. They gather information from the patient on the use of the appliance and their level of activity, and make measurements to ensure a suitable fit. They need to use a variety of measuring instruments.

Job description

A dispensing optician provides advice to patients on spectacles that best fit their visual, lifestyle and vocational needs. They help patients choose the types of lenses and spectacle frames that suit their budget and preference in terms of style, weight and colour. Opticians also conduct eye tests. Opticians’ job is also to help people see better and look good.

Dispensing opticians can also become contact lens practitioners and to help fit and prescribe contact lenses and advise patients on its care and use. This can be done provided they have passed the exam conducted by the Malaysian Optical Council (MOC).

Other tasks include interpreting optical prescriptions written by optometrists, and taking frame and facial measurements to ensure correct fit and positioning of eyewear for patients.

Besides dealing with customers, dispensing opticians also need to select, manage and order a range of optical products; order lenses from prescription houses; arrange and maintain shop displays; and liaise with sales representatives from vision care product suppliers.

Work environment:

Dispensing opticians work in optical stores, medical centres or retail stores in a well-lit, clean, comfortable, air-conditioned and well-ventilated environment. Their work area may be surrounded by showcases of spectacles and other eye products, or various instruments and optical devices.

Working hours vary according to where they are employed. At medical centres, dispensing opticians work clinic hours and may need to work shifts or weekends depending on the establishment. Those who work in optical stores will have to be on duty throughout the store opening hours.

Places of Employment

Opticians may work in any variety of settings such as independent or joint practice, hospitals, eye care centers or retail stores. However, registered opticians have to meet standards of practice and training, commit to ongoing education, hold professional liability insurance and are held to these standards by their respective regulating bodies.

Job Entry Requirements:

Like many health care providers, opticians are regulated professionals in Malaysia and certain countries.

Career Advancement

Dispensing opticians can advance to become optometrists and ophthalmologists with the relevant degree and good experience. Some opt to open their own optical retail shop while others prefer to be managers of such stores or even sales representatives for wholesales or manufacturers of spectacles and contact lenses. Some dispensing opticians, after additional education and training and has passed examination conducted by Malaysia Optical council, specialize in fitting contacts.

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Medical Assistants

Medical assistants carry out administrative and clinical tasks to assist medical doctors in running their practice smoothly. They work independently or with the guidance and supervision of medical doctors in public health services or private practice. These could be in general or specific fields in the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners.

Job description

Administrative medical assistants update and file patients' medical records, fill out insurance forms, arrange for hospital admissions and laboratory services, and handle handling billing and bookkeeping. They also deal with patients by answering telephones, greeting patients, and scheduling appointments.

Common tasks of clinical medical assistants include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examinations, and assisting physicians during examinations.

They may also collect and prepare laboratory specimens and sometimes perform basic laboratory tests. Some clinical medical assistants are trained to instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications, prepare patients for x-rays, and change dressings.

Work environment:

Medical assistants work in a clean, well-lit environment. The working hours vary according to the practice. Some clinics operate in the evenings and on weekends, while establishments like hospitals and nursing homes require 24 hour service. In these places, medical assistants will have to work shifts and be on call in the event of emergencies. Some medical assistants work part time in the evenings or on selected days. Most of the time, they are on their feet and only get to sit down when doing writing or recording.

Places of Employment

Medical assistants find work in the medical and healthcare industries. They work for physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and other medical and healthcare practitioners. Some find work in private clinics, hospitals, outpatient care centers, public and private educational services, and nursing care facilities.

Job Entry Requirements:

Medical assistants must have prior experience in a medical clinic with a certificate or diploma in pharmacy or healthcare sciences. Those applying for work in laboratories will have to know how to use all the equipment and instruments in the organisation. They must be trained to know safety procedures when dealing with patients.

Education and Training Qualifications

1. Diploma in Pharmacy
2. Diploma in Healthcare Sciences

Career Advancement

Medical assistants may also advance to other occupations through experience or additional training. Some medical assistants choose to work in a specific area of medicine in order to specialise. With years of experience and the relevant degrees, medical assistants can advance to management level in a big healthcare organisation, become nurses or other healthcare workers.