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Career Exploration

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians

Also called: Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Ophthalmic Assistant, Ophthalmic Tech (Ophthalmic Technician)

What they 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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Business

  • customer service

Health

  • medicine and dentistry

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • talking to others

Social

  • looking for ways to help people
  • understanding people's reactions

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Integrity
  • Self Control
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Concern for Others
  • Cooperation

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Medical software

  • EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems EyeMD EMR
  • NaviNet Open

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $38,860

Education

High school diploma/GED or certificate after high school is usually needed.