Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Overview

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists has a national median salary of $50,290 per year, with +5.9% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a postsecondary certificate as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

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.

Work Values

• Achievement
• Relationships
• Working Conditions

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
• Take and document patients' medical histories.
• Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements, such as axial length measurements, of the eye or surrounding tissue.
• Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
• Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.

Work Activities

• Documenting/Recording Information
• Getting Information
• Assisting and Caring for Others
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Working with Computers
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Detailed Work Activities

• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a postsecondary certificate as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a bachelor's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Bachelor's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a postsecondary certificate.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Ophthalmic Medical Technologists:

Video Resources