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Ophthalmic Medical Technologist

What is an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?

Job 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.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Responsibilities

  • Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
  • Assess abnormalities of color vision, such as amblyopia.
  • Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.
  • Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
  • Measure corneal thickness, using pachymeter or contact ultrasound methods.
  • Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Required Skills

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

  • Ocular Care Technologist
  • Ophthalmic Technologist (Ophthalmic Tech)
  • Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
  • Surgical Coordinator
  • Ophthalmic Surgical Coordinator

Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Employment Estimates

In the United States, there were 127,800 jobs for Ophthalmic Medical Technologist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 19.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,100 new jobs for Ophthalmic Medical Technologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 11,000 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Ophthalmic Medical Technologist are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Illinois, Rhode Island, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Average Ophthalmic Medical Technologists Salary

The average yearly salary of an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist ranges between $28,130 and $72,720.

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Ophthalmic Medical Technologists who work in New Mexico, Alaska, or Washington, make the highest salaries.

How much do Ophthalmic Medical Technologists make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $46,230
Alaska $62,580
Arizona $48,840
Arkansas $42,300
California $50,150
Colorado $46,270
Connecticut $55,450
Delaware $48,900
District of Columbia $54,210
Florida $42,730
Georgia $46,960
Hawaii $54,660
Idaho $48,750
Illinois $47,590
Indiana $49,300
Iowa $42,590
Kansas $49,180
Kentucky $51,780
Louisiana $38,370
Maine $51,500
Maryland $44,590
Massachusetts $55,950
Michigan $45,640
Minnesota $55,940
Mississippi $36,900
Missouri $46,580
Montana $42,630
Nebraska $45,370
Nevada $45,980
New Hampshire $50,390
New Jersey $53,570
New Mexico $60,690
New York $55,700
North Carolina $39,230
North Dakota $46,370
Ohio $42,780
Oklahoma $43,960
Oregon $54,520
Pennsylvania $43,070
Rhode Island $55,490
South Carolina $42,820
South Dakota $54,290
Tennessee $64,010
Texas $43,990
Utah $41,150
Vermont $50,140
Virginia $48,050
Washington $59,950
West Virginia $43,490
Wisconsin $44,080
Wyoming $51,120

What Tools & Technology do Ophthalmic Medical Technologists Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Ophthalmic Medical Technologists:

  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • AcuityPro
  • EyeMD EMR
  • Medflow Complete
  • MediPro Medisoft Clinical
  • NaviNet Open
  • ezChartWriter
  • iChartPlus

How do I Become an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?

Learn what Ophthalmic Medical Technologist education requirements there are.

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What work experience do I need to become an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?

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Who Employs Ophthalmic Medical Technologists?

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The table below shows the approximate number of Ophthalmic Medical Technologists employed by various industries.

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References:

Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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