Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

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Career Profile

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

What they do

Assist 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.

Also Called: Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer (CDOS), Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT), Ophthalmic Echographer, Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (Ophthalmic Medical Tech), Ophthalmic Photographer, Ophthalmic Sonographer, Ophthalmic Technologist (Ophthalmic Tech), Ophthalmic Ultrasonographer, Registered Ophthalmic Ultrasound Biometrist (ROUB), Surgical Coordinator, Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer (CDOS), Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT), Ophthalmic Echographer, Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (Ophthalmic Medical Tech), Ophthalmic Photographer, Ophthalmic Sonographer, Ophthalmic Technologist (Ophthalmic Tech), Ophthalmic Ultrasonographer, Registered Ophthalmic Ultrasound Biometrist (ROUB), Surgical Coordinator

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
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$38,180
Starting Salary (2025)
$50,290
Median Salary (2025)
5.2%
Projected Job Growth
182,610
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
Assess refractive condition of eyes, using retinoscope.
Calculate corrections for refractive errors.
Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

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

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Critical Thinking
Instructing

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 30%
  • Post-secondary certificate 25%
  • Bachelor's degree 15%
  • Post-baccalaureate certificate 10%
  • Some college 10%
  • Other 10%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
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Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.