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Ophthalmic Medical Technologist

💰 Earn $48K-$70K
📚 Associate Degree
⏱️ 12–24 Month Training
📈 5.2% Job Growth
  • Ideal for those passionate about eye health and patient care.
  • Enhance vision and quality of life through advanced ophthalmic techniques.
  • Unique role combining clinical skills with cutting-edge ocular technology.
Ophthalmic Medical Technologist
What Ophthalmic Medical Technologists DoAssist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.
  • Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
  • Take and document patients' medical histories.
  • Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements, such as axial length measurements, of the eye or surrounding tissue.
  • Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
  • Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists Education, Salary, and Growth
Minimum EducationAssociate Degree
Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)
Training Time1 to 2 years
Job Openings13,600 Annually
Median Earnings
$58,310 in California
$48,790 Nationally

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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
  • Thinking and problem solving
  • Using data or completing tasks
  • Working with my hands
you value
  • Accomplishing things
  • Job security
  • Personal relationships
you are skilled in
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Monitoring
  • Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Ophthalmic Medical Technologists Explained
Ophthalmic Medical TechnologistExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
Workforce Development ProgramA workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years
ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.
🎓 Paid Work
⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years
Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years
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Updated April 2026. Data sourced from O*NET and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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