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Healthcare

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
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Median pay

$44,080
Median annual pay for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

19.8%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

12,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

78,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+15,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical education needed to enter Ophthalmic Medical Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Writing
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Critical Thinking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Customer and Personal Service
  2. 2Medicine and Dentistry
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Administrative
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Oral Comprehension
  3. 3Oral Expression
  4. 4Speech Clarity
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Written Expression

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Investigative
  3. 3Social
  4. 4Conventional
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Empathy
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  3. 3Assisting and Caring for Others
  4. 4Documenting/Recording Information
  5. 5Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  6. 6Working with Computers

Work context

  1. 1Contact With Others
  2. 2Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Telephone Conversations
  4. 4Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  5. 5Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  6. 6Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

Representative tasks

  • Take and document patients' medical histories.
  • Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
  • Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.
  • Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.
  • Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
  • Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
  • Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
  • Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyAcuityProEmail softwareEyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems EyeMD EMRezChartWriteriChartPlusMedflow CompleteMediPro Medisoft Clinical

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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