Ophthalmic medical technicians
SOC Code: 29-2057Also known as:
Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Certified Ophthalmic Medical Tech), Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certified Ophthalmic Technician-Surgical Assistant (COT-SA), Certified Retinal Angiographer
Median Annual Salary
$44,080
+19.8% growth (2024-2034)
13K
Openings/Year
79K
Current Jobs
What Ophthalmic medical technicians Do
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.
💰 Salary
$44,080
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+19.8%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
13K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
78,800
Projected Employment (2034)
94,400
Related Careers
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
$67,260 •
+3.0% growth
Health technologists and technicians, all other
$48,790 •
+5.2% growth
Surgical assistants
$60,290 •
+5.1% growth
Medical assistants
$44,200 •
+12.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
- Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Ophthalmic medical technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a ophthalmic medical technicians:
Optometric Technician/Assistant
201 degrees awarded •
16 colleges offer this program
Ophthalmic Technician/Technologist
148 degrees awarded •
18 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Ophthalmic medical technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become ophthalmic medical technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ophthalmic medical technicians make?
The median annual salary for ophthalmic medical technicians is $44,080.
What education do ophthalmic medical technicians need?
Most ophthalmic medical technicians positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Optometric Technician/Assistant, Ophthalmic Technician/Technologist.
Is becoming ophthalmic medical technicians a good career choice?
Ophthalmic medical technicians is projected to see +19.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 12,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for ophthalmic medical technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring ophthalmic medical technicians include
Tulsa Technology Center, San Jacinto Community College, Cape Coral Technical College, Madison Area Technical College, Canadian Valley Technology Center.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to ophthalmic medical technicians?
Ophthalmic medical technicians may also be known as: Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Certified Ophthalmic Medical Tech), Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certified Ophthalmic Technician-Surgical Assistant (COT-SA), Certified Retinal Angiographer, Eyecare Advisor, Health Technician (Health Tech), Medical Technician (Medical Tech), Ocular Care Technician (Ocular Care Tech), Ocular Care Technologist, Ophthalmic Aide, Ophthalmic Assistant, Ophthalmic Diagnostic Sonographer, Ophthalmic Medical Assistant, Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Ophthalmic Medical Tech), Ophthalmic Scribe, Ophthalmic Tech (Ophthalmic Technician), Ophthalmology Assistant, Ophthalmology Technician (Ophthalmology Tech), Optical Technician (Optical Tech).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.