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Ophthalmic Medical Technician

💰 Earn $41K-$58K

📚 Vocational Training

⏱️ 12–24 Month Training

📈 19.8% Job Growth

Ideal for those passionate about eye health and patient care.
Play a vital role in diagnosing and improving patients' vision.
Work with advanced ophthalmic technology daily.

What Ophthalmic Medical Technicians DoAssist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.

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.
Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.
Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationVocational Training

Career ProspectsExcellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time1 to 2 years

Job Openings12,500 Annually

Median Earnings

$47,940 in California

$44,080 Nationally

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Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

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Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Relating with or serving others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Having support
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation

Go Deeper: Ophthalmic Medical Technicians Explained

Ophthalmic Medical TechnicianExplore 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

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

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Technology BootcampA technology bootcamp typically offers intensive training in specific tech skills, preparing participants for entry-level roles in the tech industry in a relatively short period of time.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in Less than a year

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

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