Description
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.
Interests
- Realistic
- Investigative
- Conventional
- Social
Work Values
- Achievement
- Relationships
- Working Conditions
Work Styles
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cooperation
- Integrity
- Concern for Others
Tasks
- 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.
Work Activities
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Getting Information
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Detailed Work Activities
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Technology Skills
- Electronic mail software
- Medical software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Web platform development software
- Spreadsheet software
Abilities
- Near Vision
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Speech Clarity
Skills
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
National Contact Lens Examiners Advanced CertificationCertifying Organization
American Board of Opticianry and the National Contact Lens Examiners
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Registered Ophthalmic Ultrasound BiometristCertifying Organization
International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Certified Ophthalmic Medical TechnologistCertifying Organization
International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology
Type
Core
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $39,180 |
| Median (50%) | $45,780 |
| High (90%) | $60,996 |
Employability
There are currently 177,900 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 190,400 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 7%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 7%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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