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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

Median wage

$46,260

Typical education

Education not reported

Growth 2026–2032

+16%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Education not reported

Credential requirement

Credential requirements not reported

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

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenMay vary
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsYes

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.
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