Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Human Advantage 71%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.7 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.
Also Known As: Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Certified Ophthalmic Medical Tech), Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certified Ophthalmic Technician-Surgical Assistant (COT-SA), Certified Retinal Angiographer, Eyecare Advisor, Health Technician (Health Tech), Medical Technician (Medical Tech) +16 more
Core Tasks
- 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.
- Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
- Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
- Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.
- Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
- Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
- Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.
- Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
- Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.
- Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.
- Assess refractive conditions of eyes, using retinoscopes.
- Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.
- Assist patients to insert or remove contact lenses.
- Conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.
Supplemental Tasks (2)
- Adjust or make minor repairs to spectacles or eyeglasses.
- Assist patients to select eyewear.
Emerging Tasks
New and evolving responsibilities for this role:
- Order supplies.
- Perform examinations using ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: 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. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job 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.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (14)
Tools & Equipment (52)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Physical Health Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 3
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