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Ophthalmic Medical Technician

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.

Annual openings

215

BLS median wage

$46,260

Typical education

Flexible / varies by employer

10-year growth

+16%

Career requirements

What does this career require?

The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.

Typical education

Flexible / varies by employer

Credential requirement

No specific credential listed yet

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no experience is required.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

  • With kids/peopleOccasionally
  • On a computerOccasionally
  • Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
  • With your handsOccasionally

Interests it draws on

  • Healthcare
  • Healthcare Technicians

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
  2. Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.
  3. Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.
  4. Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
  5. Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
  6. Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.