Also called:
Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT), Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (Ophthalmic Medical Tech), Ophthalmic Technologist (Ophthalmic Tech), Surgical Coordinator
When ophthalmic medical technicians or technologists ask to look you in the eye, they really mean it. These professionals assist ophthalmologists— or eye doctors— to provide eye care to patients. Ophthalmic medical technicians and technologists administer eye exams, dispense eye medications, and instruct patients in the care and use of corrective lenses. They take measurements of the eye with highly specialized equipment. Technologists also train and supervise technicians and assistants, take diagnostic images of patients’ eyes, and may assist with minor surgical procedures. Technicians may measure a patient’s current lenses for accuracy. Working with eyes is delicate work. It takes attention to detail and dexterity. Interpersonal skills are also important, whether comforting an anxious patient or clarifying specifications for lenses. Generally these skilled professionals work full time. Both ophthalmic medical technicians and technologists typically earn an ophthalmic technician certificate, earned in 1-2 years at a community college or professional school, then obtain a certification. When these technicians and technologists see eye to eye with their patients, better vision is in sight.
What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
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.
Business
customer service
administrative services
Health
medicine and dentistry
Arts and Humanities
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Social
understanding people's reactions
looking for ways to help people
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Cooperation
Integrity
Concern for Others
Self Control
You might use software like this on the job:
Medical software
AcuityPro
EyeMD EMR
Electronic mail software
Email software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
high school diploma/GED or certificate after high school usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
$42,630
$27,820
$71,150
You might like a career in one of these industries:
In the military:
see titles from the Air Force or Army.
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