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Ophthalmic Medical Technician

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What Does it Take to Be an Ophthalmic Medical Technician?

Ophthalmic Medical Technician Definition 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: What Do They Do?

  • Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.
  • Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.
  • Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
  • Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.
  • Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.
  • Adjust or make minor repairs to spectacles or eyeglasses.

Things an Ophthalmic Medical Technician Should Know How to Do

Below is a list of the skills most Ophthalmic Medical Technicians 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.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.

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

Types of Ophthalmic Medical Technician

  • Ophthalmic Medical Technician
  • Certified Retinal Angiographer
  • Ophthalmology Assistant
  • Optometric Technician
  • Surgical Coordinator

Is There Going to be Demand for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians?

In the United States, there were 44,500 jobs for Ophthalmic Medical Technician 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 8,700 new jobs for Ophthalmic Medical Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 4,600 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

Ophthalmic Medical Technician Salary

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians make between $24,770 and $54,830 a year.

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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 & Technology do Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Use?

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

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

How do I Become an Ophthalmic Medical Technician?

Are there Ophthalmic Medical Technicians education requirements?

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

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Where Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Work

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Ophthalmic Medical Technicians work in the following industries:

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References:

Image Credit: Robert Barnett via public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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