Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.

Median Annual Wage: $41,420

Education: Post-secondary certificate (48%); Associate's degree (11%); Post-baccalaureate certificate (11%)

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

Related Job Titles: Certified Ophthalmic Assistant; Ophthalmic Medical Assistant; Surgical Coordinator; Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant; Ophthalmology Surgical Technician; Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer and Registered Ophthalmic Ultrasound Biometrist (CDOS and ROUB); Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT); Clinical Supervisor; Ophthalmic Medical Technologist; Ophthalmic Technologist (Ophthalmic Tech)

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

More Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Careers

  • Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
  • Collect ophthalmic measurements or other diagnostic information, using ultrasound equipment, such as A-scan ultrasound biometry or B-scan ultrasonography equipment.
  • Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.
  • Take and document patients' medical histories.
  • Calculate corrections for refractive errors.
  • Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
  • Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
  • Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.
  • Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.
  • Perform slit lamp biomicroscopy procedures to diagnose disorders of the eye, such as retinitis, presbyopia, cataracts, or retinal detachment.
  • Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
  • Measure corneal thickness, using pachymeter or contact ultrasound methods.
  • Measure the thickness of the retinal nerve, using scanning laser polarimetry techniques to aid in diagnosis of glaucoma.
  • Assess refractive condition of eyes, using retinoscope.
  • Photograph patients' eye areas, using clinical photography techniques, to document retinal or corneal defects.
  • Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
  • Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
  • Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.
  • Conduct tests, such as the Amsler Grid test, to measure central visual field used in the early diagnosis of macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diseases of the eye.
  • Supervise or instruct ophthalmic staff.
  • Perform flourescein angiography of the eye.
  • Assess abnormalities of color vision, such as amblyopia.
  • Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.
  • Conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.
  • Perform advanced ophthalmic procedures, including electrophysiological, electrophysical, or microbial procedures.
  • Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.
  • Conduct low vision blindness tests.

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

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

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

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