Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $45,570/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +19.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — much faster than average.
About 12,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians?
The median pay for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians is $45,570 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians?
Employment for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians is projected to change +19.8% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.
What education is typically required for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians?
Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.
How many job openings are there each year for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians?
About 12,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.