Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (Ophthalmic Medical Tech)
- Ophthalmic Technologist (Ophthalmic Tech)
- Surgical Coordinator
Alternate Job Titles
- Angiographer
- Angiography Technologist
- Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer (CDOS)
- Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)
- Certified Ophthalmic Technologist
- Certified Retinal Angiographer
- Medical Technologist
- Ocular Care Technologist
- Ophthalmic Diagnostic Imager
- Ophthalmic Echographer
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (Ophthalmic Medical Tech)
- Ophthalmic Photographer
- Ophthalmic Sonographer
- Ophthalmic Surgical Coordinator
- Ophthalmic Technologist (Ophthalmic Tech)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
- Calculate corrections for refractive errors.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Expression
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
- Written Comprehension
- Inductive Reasoning
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
- Social Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Support
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Tools & Equipment
- A-scan biometers
- Amsler grids
- Automated lensometers
- Autorefractors
- B-Scan biometers
- Bio-microscopes
- Brightness acuity testers
- Color blindness tests
- Corneal pachymeters
- Corneal topographers
- Digital pupillometers
- Electroretinogram equipment
- Eye chart projectors
- Fundus cameras
- Handheld occluders
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Ophthalmic Medical Technologists.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $37,290 |
| Median | $48,790 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $81,290 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 174,060
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $44,080
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $67,260
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $77,660
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $48,790
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $89,340
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.