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Ophthalmic Medical Technologist

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What is an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?

Occupation 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

  • Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.
  • Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
  • Perform fluorescein angiography of the eye.
  • Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
  • Conduct tests, such as the Amsler Grid test, to measure central visual field used in the early diagnosis of macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diseases of the eye.
  • Calculate corrections for refractive errors.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?

These are the skills Ophthalmic Medical Technologists say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

Types of Ophthalmic Medical Technologist

  • Certified Retinal Angiographer
  • Ophthalmic Surgical Coordinator
  • Ophthalmic Technologist (Ophthalmic Tech)
  • Ophthalmic Photographer
  • Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant

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.

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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.

Salary for an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists make between $28,130 and $72,720 a year.

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

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Ophthalmic Medical Technologists 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

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 do I Become an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?

What kind of Ophthalmic Medical Technologist requirements are there?

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

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Where do Ophthalmic Medical Technologists Work?

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Below are examples of industries where Ophthalmic Medical Technologists work:

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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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