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What Does it Take to Be an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?
Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Definition 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.
List of Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Job Duties
- Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements, such as axial length measurements, of the eye or surrounding tissue.
- Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
- Photograph patients’ eye areas, using clinical photography techniques, to document retinal or corneal defects.
- Perform advanced ophthalmic procedures, including electrophysiological, electrophysical, or microbial procedures.
- Conduct low vision blindness tests.
- Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
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What an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Should Know
When polled, Ophthalmic Medical Technologists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Other Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Job Titles
- Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)
- Optometric Technologist
- Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer and Registered Ophthalmic Ultrasound Biometrist (CDOS and ROUB)
- Ophthalmic Technologist (Ophthalmic Tech)
- Ophthalmic Clinical Coordinator
Is There Going to be Demand for Ophthalmic Medical Technologists?
There were about 127,800 jobs for Ophthalmic Medical Technologist in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
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.
How Much Does an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Make?
The typical yearly salary for Ophthalmic Medical Technologists is somewhere between $28,130 and $72,720.
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists who work in New Mexico, Alaska, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Ophthalmic Medical Technologists make in each U.S. state?
| 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Ophthalmic Medical Technologists may use on a daily basis:
- Web browser software
- Email software
- AcuityPro
- MediPro Medisoft Clinical
- NaviNet Open
- ezChartWriter
- iChartPlus
- EyeMD EMR
- Medflow Complete
How to Become an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
Education needed to be an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist:
How Long Does it Take to Become an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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