Ophthalmic Technicians

Career summary

Ophthalmic technicians conduct tests to measure the fluid pressure inside of patients' eyes. They use instruments to diagnose optical conditions such as astigmatism. They use special tests to check for:

• Nearsightedness
• Farsightedness
• Glaucoma

Ophthalmic technicians keep records of patient's medical history. Sometimes they assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery. Between appointments, technicians clean equipment and prepare the space for the next patient. They help administer topical and oral medications and help patients use contact lenses. 

They perform routine tests to check patients':

• Field of vision
• Depth of vision
• Eye muscle function

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Occupational Therapist Assistants
• Opticians
• Optometrists
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Surgical Technologists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to ophthalmic technicians.

• Perform special tests to check for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and glaucoma.
• Check the pressure of fluid in patients' eyes.
• Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
• Administer oral and topical medications.
• Measure lens power, using lensometers.
• Use a variety of instruments to test patients' field of vision, depth of vision, and eye muscle function.
• Assist patients with the use of contact lenses.
• Clean equipment and sterilize the work space between patients.
• Check in with patients during their post-surgery recovery.
• Keep records of patients' medical histories.

Common work activities

Ophthalmic technicians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Document and record information
• Assist and care for others
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Perform for or work with the public
• Use computers
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Teach others
• Develop and build teams
• Process information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Coach others
• Schedule work and activities
• Communicate with people outside the organization

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, ophthalmic technicians:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are in contact with others each day by phone, e-mail, and in person.
• Have a high level of social contact.
• Work with coworkers on a team.
• Lead the work of others.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Are responsible for their work and the work of others.
• May be placed in conflict situations once a week.
• Deal with unpleasant or angry people once a week.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• May be exposed to disease or infections when interacting with patients.
• Sometimes work very close to others.

Work performance

• Cause very serious errors if they make a mistake.
• Make decisions that have a major impact on others.
• Make some decisions on their own.
• Must be very exact in their work.
• Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
• Work in a somewhat competitive setting.
• Often must meet strict deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Work a regular schedule.
• Work 40 hours a week.

Physical demands

Ophthalmic technicians frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for ophthalmic technicians to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for ophthalmic technicians to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.

Skills and abilities

Ophthalmic technicians need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Ophthalmic Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Medical Assisting
• Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology
• Optometric Technology

Training

To work as an ophthalmic technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a postsecondary certificate.

Education after high school

Some employers prefer applicants who have an associate’s degree. Some ophthalmic technicians learn their skills through formal training programs. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer programs. Two-year programs usually grant an associate degree. One-year programs offer a certificate. Courses include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, medical law, and ethics. Office courses include typing, recordkeeping, accounting, and insurance processing. You also gain skills in lab techniques and first aid

On-the-job training

Most ophthalmic technicians learn their skills through on-the-job training. The length of training varies by employer.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Applications
• Introduction to Health Care
• Vision Care Assisting
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Licensing/certification

Certification is not required but optional certifications can be used to show knowledge in a specialized field.

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The technicians' level of education, experience, and responsibility also affect wages.

Employment and outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Medical equipment and supply manufacturers
• Health and personal care stores
• Optometrist offices

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be strong due to the increase in the aging population. Most people require vision correction at some point in their lives. As the population continues to age, more people will need vision aids, therefore increased in the demand for ophthalmic technicians.

Other resources

Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology 
2025 Woodlane Drive St.
St. Paul, MN 55125-2998

Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology 
2025 Woodlane Drive
St. Paul, MN 55125
800.284.3937
651.731.2944

Ophthalmic Allied Health Profession--Ophthalmic Assistant 
2025 Woodlane Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55125-299

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Ophthalmic Medical Technicians (29-2057.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Ophthalmic Technician (078.361-038) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Conventional/Social/Realistic

COPSystem

• Service Skilled