What Does it Take to Be an Ophthalmic Medical Technician?
Position 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.
List of Ophthalmic Medical Technician Job Duties
- Adjust or make minor repairs to spectacles or eyeglasses.
- Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
- Assist patients to select eyewear.
- Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.
- Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
- Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.
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Qualities of an Ophthalmic Medical Technician
When polled, Ophthalmic Medical Technicians 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.
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.
Other Ophthalmic Medical Technician Job Titles
- Optometric Technician
- Ophthalmic Technician
- Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician
- Ophthalmology Technician
- Ophthalmic Medical Technician
Job Demand for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
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.

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 Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians is somewhere between $24,770 and $54,830.

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians who work in Minnesota, Massachusetts, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Ophthalmic Medical Technicians make 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?
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?
Learn what Ophthalmic Medical Technician education requirements there are.

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

Where Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Are Employed

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians work in the following industries:

References:
Image Credit: Robert Barnett via public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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