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Ophthalmic Medical Technician

What You Need to Know About Ophthalmic Medical Technician

Job Description: 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.

Life As an Ophthalmic Medical Technician

  • Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.
  • Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
  • Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.
  • Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.
  • Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
  • Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.

What Every Ophthalmic Medical Technician Should Know

These are the skills Ophthalmic Medical Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

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.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

  • Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
  • Surgical Coordinator
  • Certified Ophthalmic Technician with Surgical Assisting
  • Ophthalmic Photographer
  • Ophthalmic Assistant

Ophthalmic Medical Technician Job Outlook

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 44,500 jobs in the United States for Ophthalmic Medical Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 19.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,700 new jobs for Ophthalmic Medical Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 4,600 positions for Ophthalmic Medical Technician per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Ophthalmic Medical Technician are Arizona, Utah, and Maryland. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, South Dakota, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does an Ophthalmic Medical Technician Make?

The average yearly salary of an Ophthalmic Medical Technician ranges between $24,770 and $54,830.

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Ophthalmic Medical Technicians who work in Minnesota, Massachusetts, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $36,500
Alaska $46,770
Arizona $40,450
Arkansas $31,910
California $41,890
Colorado $38,030
Connecticut $42,930
Delaware $35,940
District of Columbia $50,290
Florida $36,750
Georgia $35,120
Hawaii $37,770
Idaho $28,800
Illinois $38,180
Indiana $35,970
Iowa $36,080
Kansas $33,710
Kentucky $33,640
Louisiana $37,590
Maine $38,180
Maryland $42,510
Massachusetts $48,300
Michigan $37,400
Minnesota $50,700
Mississippi $31,020
Missouri $35,400
Montana $33,970
Nebraska $36,840
Nevada $36,030
New Hampshire $42,630
New Jersey $45,420
New Mexico $36,290
New York $34,870
North Carolina $36,030
North Dakota $37,520
Ohio $37,590
Oklahoma $34,810
Oregon $42,170
Pennsylvania $36,770
Rhode Island $38,230
South Carolina $37,310
South Dakota $36,150
Tennessee $36,340
Texas $33,290
Utah $33,840
Vermont $42,610
Virginia $41,340
Washington $44,050
West Virginia $33,360
Wisconsin $40,310

What Tools do Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Ophthalmic Medical Technicians may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • AcuityPro
  • EyeMD EMR
  • Medflow Complete
  • MediPro Medisoft Clinical
  • NaviNet Open
  • ezChartWriter
  • iChartPlus

How to Become an Ophthalmic Medical Technician

Are there Ophthalmic Medical Technicians education requirements?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Who Employs Ophthalmic Medical Technicians?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

Image Credit: Robert Barnett via public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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