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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 |
| 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
This Blog Includes:
Ophthalmic Technician: Job Description
An ophthalmic technician performs all the 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 an 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.
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Syllabus
Some subjects might differ depending on the university and your type of degree. Below is the ophthalmic technician common 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 |
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Top Universities
Here is a list of the best colleges in the USA that are offering degrees in ophthalmic technology
| Universities/ College | Highest Degree Type |
| Portland Community College | Associate Degree |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Triton College | Associate Degree |
| University of Puerto Rico – Medical Sciences | Associate Degree |
| Palm Beach State College | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Florida State College at Jacksonville | Associate Degree |
| Henry Ford College | Associate Degree |
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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
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.
Ophthalmic Technicians’ job is to assist the eye doctor in providing eye care services.
They do not have any uniforms. They can wear a white laboratory coat and scrubs spending upon the employer.
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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