Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-2099
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
• Take and document patients' medical histories.
• Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements, such as axial length measurements, of the eye or surrounding tissue.
• Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
• Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
• Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
• Calculate corrections for refractive errors.
• Collect ophthalmic measurements or other diagnostic information, using ultrasound equipment, such as A-scan ultrasound biometry or B-scan ultrasonography equipment.
• Perform ophthalmic triage, in the office or by phone, to assess severity of patients' conditions.
• Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
• Educate patients on ophthalmic medical procedures, conditions of the eye, and appropriate use of medications.
• Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, JavaScript, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, SAP software, A-scan biometers, AcuityPro, Amsler grids, Automated lensometers, Autorefractors

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
• Neurodiagnostic Technologists
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
• Surgical Assistants
• Endoscopy Technicians
• Medical Assistants

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Ophthalmic Medical Technologists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.