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.
A Day in the Life of an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
- Assess refractive condition of eyes, using retinoscope.
- Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
- Supervise or instruct ophthalmic staff.
- Create three-dimensional images of the eye, using computed tomography (CT).
- Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.
- Conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.
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Skills Needed to be an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
Below is a list of the skills most Ophthalmic Medical Technologists say are important on the job.
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
- Instruct Technologist
- Ophthalmic Medical Assistant
- Retinal Angiographer
- Ocular Care Technologist
- Ophthalmology Surgical Technician
Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Job Outlook
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. There will be an estimated 11,000 positions for Ophthalmic Medical Technologist per 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.
Do Ophthalmic Medical Technologists Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Ophthalmic Medical Technologists ranges between about $28,130 and $72,720 a year.

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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
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
- MediPro Medisoft Clinical
- NaviNet Open
- ezChartWriter
- iChartPlus
- EyeMD EMR
- Medflow Complete
How do I Become an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?
What education or degrees do I need to become an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?

Who Employs Ophthalmic Medical Technologists?

Below are examples of industries where Ophthalmic Medical Technologists work:

References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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