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Career overview · SOC 29-2099

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

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

Median pay (national)
$48,790
$37,290–$81,290 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
174,060
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+5.2%
~13,600 openings/yr
Typical entry
Postsecondary nondegree award

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for ophthalmic medical technologists shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $81,290 versus $37,290 at the bottom 10% — 2.2x. The median of $48,790 leaves roughly 67% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +5.2% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 13,600 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 52 states with released data, Wyoming pays the most for this role (median $65,560, +34% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $36,400 — a 80% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Learning
  • Learning Strategies
  • Monitoring
  • Mathematics
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • 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.
  • Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
  • Calculate corrections for refractive errors.
  • Collect ophthalmic measurements or other diagnostic information, using ultrasound equipment, such as A-scan ultrasound biometry or B-scan ultrasonography equipment.
  • Perform ophthalmic triage, in the office or by phone, to assess severity of patients' conditions.
  • Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.

Tools & technology

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • JavaScript
  • SAP software
  • AcuityPro
  • Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
  • EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems EyeMD EMR
  • ezChartWriter
  • Hypertext preprocessor PHP
  • iChartPlus
  • Medflow Complete
  • MediPro Medisoft Clinical
  • NaviNet Open
  • Web browser software
  • Email software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software

Knowledge areas

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Mathematics
  • Administrative
  • Administration and Management
  • Computers and Electronics