Ophthalmic Medical Technicians

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.

Median Annual Wage: $35,230

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (43%); Post-secondary certificate (30%); Associate's degree (13%)

Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)

Related Job Titles: Ophthalmic Technician; Ophthalmic Assistant; Certified Ophthalmic Assistant; Certified Ophthalmic Technician; Ophthalmic Medical Assistant; Ophthalmic Medical Technician; Surgical Coordinator; Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician; Certified Ophthalmic Technician with Surgical Assisting; Certified Ophthalmic Technician-Surgical Assistant (COT-SA)

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians.

More Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Careers

  • Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
  • Take and document patients' medical histories.
  • Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
  • Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.
  • Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.
  • Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
  • Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.
  • Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
  • Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
  • Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
  • Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.
  • Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.
  • Conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.
  • Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.
  • Assess refractive conditions of eyes, using retinoscopes.
  • Assist patients to insert or remove contact lenses.
  • Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians.

  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians.

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