Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Clinic work centers on measuring the eyes: visual acuity at near and distance, intraocular pressure, lens power, and anatomical readings such as axial length, sometimes with ultrasound. Medical histories are taken, topical or oral eye medications may be given, and refractive corrections are calculated. Help with minor procedures, including preparing instruments and using sterile technique, and ophthalmic photography are part of the job, as is teaching patients how to use and care for corrective lenses. Other ophthalmic staff may be instructed or supervised. The mix of measurement, medication, and instruction suits people who like exact readings and repeating clinical tests accurately.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$50'290
Median Wage Market Position
$50'290
What you might do
- Measure near and distance visual acuity
- Test the pressure inside each eye
- Take length and other measurements of the eye
- Scan the eye with ultrasound equipment
- Read eyeglass power and calculate corrections
- Give prescribed eye drops or oral medicines
Skills that matter
- Tonometry to measure pressure inside the eye
- Taking and documenting ocular medical histories
- Visual acuity tests at near and distance
- Calculating corrections for refractive errors
- Measuring lens power on a lensometer
- Walking patients through corrective lens care
AI & the future of this role
Eye exams, minor procedure support, and patient instruction still require in-person skill and trust. Software may streamline imaging analysis or paperwork, yet licensed clinical assistance and hands-on care are likely to remain central.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details