What You Need to Know About Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
Job Description & Duties 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
- 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.
- Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
- Measure corneal thickness, using pachymeter or contact ultrasound methods.
- Perform slit lamp biomicroscopy procedures to diagnose disorders of the eye, such as retinitis, presbyopia, cataracts, or retinal detachment.
- Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
- Assess abnormalities of color vision, such as amblyopia.
Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Needed Skills
When polled, Ophthalmic Medical Technologists 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.
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
- Ophthalmic Clinical Coordinator
- Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
- Ophthalmology Surgical Technician
- Ophthalmic Surgical Coordinator
- Angiography Technologist
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. 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.
How Much Does an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Make?
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 each U.S. state?
| 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 |
What Tools & Technology do Ophthalmic Medical Technologists Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Ophthalmic Medical Technologists:
- 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?
Learn what Ophthalmic Medical Technologist education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Ophthalmic Medical Technologists employed by various industries.
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Jerilyn Quintanilla via U.S. Air Force photo
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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