Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
- Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT)
- Ophthalmic Assistant
- Ophthalmic Tech (Ophthalmic Technician)
Alternate Job Titles
- Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Certified Ophthalmic Medical Tech)
- Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
- Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT)
- Certified Ophthalmic Technician-Surgical Assistant (COT-SA)
- Certified Retinal Angiographer
- Eyecare Advisor
- Health Technician (Health Tech)
- Medical Technician (Medical Tech)
- Ocular Care Technician (Ocular Care Tech)
- Ocular Care Technologist
- Ophthalmic Aide
- Ophthalmic Assistant
- Ophthalmic Diagnostic Sonographer
- Ophthalmic Medical Assistant
- Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Ophthalmic Medical Tech)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Take and document patients' medical histories.
- Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
- Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.
- Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.
- Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
- Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
- Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
Emerging Responsibilities
As this field evolves, you may also:
- Order supplies.
- Perform examinations using ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.
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
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Oral Expression
- Speech Clarity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Written Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
- Written Comprehension
- Finger Dexterity
- Speech Recognition
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Stress Tolerance
- Empathy
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
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 3 months, up to and including 6 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
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
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
- Eye chart projectors
- Flat nose pliers
- Fundus cameras
- Handheld occluders
Work Environment
- Contact With Others
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Telephone Conversations
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $34,210 |
| Median | $44,080 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $60,810 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 76,520
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $48,790
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $67,260
Medical Assistants
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $44,200
Surgical Assistants
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $60,290
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $48,790
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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.