What Does it Take to Be an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?
Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Job 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.
A Day in the Life of an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
- Create three-dimensional images of the eye, using computed tomography (CT).
- Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.
- Photograph patients' eye areas, using clinical photography techniques, to document retinal or corneal defects.
- Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
- Conduct low vision blindness tests.
- Measure corneal thickness, using pachymeter or contact ultrasound methods.
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Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Needed Skills
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Angiography Technologist
- Ophthalmic Technologist (Ophthalmic Tech)
- Retinal Angiographer
- Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)
- Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
Job Demand for Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 127,800 jobs in the United States for Ophthalmic Medical Technologist. 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. The BLS estimates 11,000 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Do Ophthalmic Medical Technologists Make A Lot Of Money?
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists make between $28,130 and $72,720 a year.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists who work in New Mexico, Alaska, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Ophthalmic Medical Technologists make 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
Becoming an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
Individuals working as an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist have obtained the following education levels:

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

Who Employs Ophthalmic Medical Technologists?

Below are examples of industries where Ophthalmic Medical Technologists work:

References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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