How to Become an Ophthalmic Technician?

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How to Become an Ophthalmic Technician?

An Ophthalmic technician is a medical professional who assists ophthalmologists in eye care. The ophthalmic technician can carry out more duties than an Ophthalmic assistant. However, they still work under the supervision of a licensed eye doctor. They perform eye exams, diagnose diseases and administer treatments alongside the ophthalmologists. Typically ophthalmic technicians are hired in clinics and offices. Keep reading to know more about the ophthalmic technician course, ophthalmic technician eligibility, salaries, jobs, top colleges in India and abroad, future scope, and more.

Position  Ophthalmic Technician
Educational Qualification Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology
Top colleges NIMS University, ACN Bangalore 
Job prospects Ophthalmic technician, ophthalmic nurse, ophthalmic assistant
Employment sectors  Eye clinics, optical shops, and hospital administration
U.S Median salary $37,189 (INR 30.11 lakh)

Must Read: BSc in Ophthalmic Technology

Ophthalmic Technician: Job Description

An ophthalmic technician performs all duties of an optician and technician. However, they have additional responsibilities as well. It includes 

  • Helping the ophthalmologist minimize the time in carrying out daily tasks. As a result, an ophthalmic medical technician gathers patient information, administers diagnostic tests, maintains ophthalmic and surgical instruments, and administers eye medications, as requested by the doctor.
  • Conduct eye tests such as measuring a patient’s visual function, testing colour perception, eyes, and cornea examination, testing visual acuity, eye pressure measurement, muscle movement, and pupil reactions after ensuring that the patient has taken the eye drops.
  • Be trained in ophthalmic instrumentation such as phoropters, tonometers, sonographers, and ultrasounds. Other than this, they need skills in Lensometry, intermediate tonometry, A-scan biometry, and pachymetry
  • They also have to supervise other ophthalmic staff in the clinic.

Steps to Become an Ophthalmic Technician

To become an ophthalmic technician you can follow these steps:

Educational Qualification

Getting a high school diploma or GED is the first step to becoming an ophthalmic technician. To become ophthalmic technician schooling is necessary. The majority of employers require all technicians to have at least a secondary school degree. Some even prefer a bachelor’s degree.

Obtain the essential training 

After getting the education qualification students can get specialized training. Mainly there are two primary options. The first one is to get a certificate in ophthalmic practice. Typically it takes 1-2 years to get the ophthalmic technician diploma. The subjects in the diploma include courses like anatomy, medical terminology, ethics, and other topics. The certifications involve practical experience as well.

Another option is to work as a trainee in an ophthalmology clinic. Employers also provide on-the-job training programs for certain job applicants. Such training includes observational and supervised practice. When the skill of the applicant is proven they will get the qualification to pursue the certification,

Get certification

Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel (JCAHPO) offers certifications for aspiring ophthalmic technicians. There are mainly 3 types of certifications. They are certified ophthalmic assistants, certified as an ophthalmic technician, and certified as an ophthalmic medical technologist. The highest level of certification is that of an ophthalmic technologist. Below that comes the ophthalmic technologist. The lowest form of certification is that of the ophthalmic assistant.

To get the certification you would have to clear an exam. The exam includes topics such as eye care, eye health, ocular diseases, ophthalmic procedures,  and examination methods. Individuals need to clear the COA exam and work as an ophthalmic assistant to become eligible for the certification.

Get practical exposure 

Before being able to work as an ophthalmic technician individuals require experience as an ophthalmic assistant. At this stage, you can become familiar with employees, tools, and daily requirements that are common in every eye care centre. Assisting the doctors will also help to gain experience in caring for the patient.

Apply for Jobs

After earning a degree, certification, experience, and training an individual can apply for the position of an ophthalmic technician. Often trainees are hired and in other cases, a direct job application is required.

Must Read: Paramedical Courses List

Syllabus 

Below is the ophthalmic technician course syllabus

S.no Syllabus
1 Basic Physics of Light
2 Basic Human Sciences
3 Communication Skills
4 Computer Science
5 Basic Pharmacology
6 Optometry Instruments
7 Dispensing Optics
8 Contact Lenses
9 Community Optometry
10 Basic Orthoptics
11 Optometry Practices
12 Visual Optics
13 Ocular Diseases and Conditions
14 Hospital Training

Must Read: RRB Paramedical Syllabus

Top Universities

Here is a list of the best colleges for a diploma in ophthalmic technology 

S.no Top colleges  Average Fees
1 NIMS University INR 70,000
2 ACN Bangalore  INR 30,000-60,000
3 The Mumbai Institue of Management and Physical Education Not Available 

Must Read: Best Nursing Colleges In India

Job Prospects 

Below is the list of ophthalmic technician job descriptions and positions that you can take up after completing a diploma in Ophthalmic technology. Individuals can find these jobs by searching for ophthalmic technician jobs near me.  Their salary in India ranges from  INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,50,000 per annum.

Employment Sectors Job profiles
Optical shops  Ophthalmic Technician
Eye clinics Ophthalmic nurse
Hospital administration Ophthalmic Assistant 
Eye care hospitals  Ophthalmic assistant and lab assistant 
Community health care centre

Ophthalmic Technician: Salary 

The median ophthalmic technician salary in the U.S. is $37,189 (INR 30.11 Lakh). The diploma in ophthalmic technology salary in the U.S. differs from state to state. 

State Median Salary Median Salary (Indian currency)
Alabama $30,080 24.42 lakh
Alaska $59,390 48.22 lakh
Arizona $36,590 29.70 lakh
Arkansas $34,720 28.18 lakh
California $46,050 37.37 lakh
Colorado $38,420 31.18 lakh
Connecticut $46,280 37.56 lakh
Delaware $37,390 30.35 lakh
Florida $37,510 30.44 lakh
Georgia $36,880 29.93 lakh
Hawaii $37,150 30.15 lakh
Idaho $36,010 29.22 lakh
Illinois $46,210 37.50 lakh
Indiana $37,180 30.17 lakh
Iowa $38,460 31.21 lakh
Kansas $36,690 29.78 lakh
Kentucky $29,340 23.81 lakh
Louisiana $31,360 25.45 lakh
Maine $37,180 30.17 lakh
Maryland $40,090 32.54 lakh
Massachusetts $46,470 37.71 lakh
Michigan $38,170 30.98 lakh
Minnesota $58,160 47.21 lakh
Mississippi $29,650 24.06 lakh
Missouri $29,460 23.91 lakh
Montana $36,630 29.73 lakh
Nebraska $37,640 30.55 lakh
Nevada $37,540 30.47 lakh
New Hampshire $37,920 30.78 lakh
New Jersey $58,180 47.23 lakh
New Mexico $34,740 28.20  lakh
New York $46,220 37.53 lakh
North Carolina $36,740 29.83 lakh
North Dakota $37,220 30.22 lakh
Ohio $36,640 29.75 lakh
Oklahoma $36,360 29.52 lakh
Oregon $46,300 37.60 lakh
Pennsylvania $36,750 29.84 lakh
Rhode Island $46,370 37.65 lakh
South Carolina $36,640 29.75 lakh
South Dakota $36,640 29.75 lakh
Tennessee $37,070 30.11 lakh
Texas $33,700 27.37 lakh
Utah $36,590 29.72 lakh
Vermont $45,720 37.12 lakh
Virginia $36,240 29.42 lakh
Washington $46,190 37.51 lakh
West Virginia $35,000 29.52 lakh
Wisconsin $46,170 37.49 lakh
Wyoming $29,190 23.70 lakh

FAQs

Is an eye technician a doctor?

The ophthalmic technicians can administer medicines. However, they are not authorized to prescribe drugs for the patients. They cannot provide a medical diagnosis or treatment without supervision. Hence, they are not an eye doctor.

What is the work of an optometry technician?

Ophthalmic Technicians’ job is to assist the eye doctor in providing eye care services.

What do ophthalmic technicians wear?

They do not have any uniforms. They can wear a white laboratory coat and scrubs spending upon the employer. 

Is an ophthalmic technician a good career?

The ophthalmic technician is a job with less stress and a good work-life balance. The position also provides solid prospects to improve. It includes getting a higher salary and promotion. As a result, being an ophthalmic technician is a good career choice.

Ophthalmic Technician is a great career option for those who want to work in the healthcare sector. By becoming an ophthalmic technician students can work with technology, assist the eye doctor, and help others. Need help with study abroad admissions? Call us at 1800 572 000 and book our free 30-minute counselling session today.

 

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