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What is an Ophthalmic Technician?

An ophthalmic technician is a medical professional trained to understand the anatomy, physiology, and diseases related to the eyeball.  Ophthalmic technicians (OT's) are specialists that can diagnose and identify issues with the eye and are both a medical professional and surgical specialist.

Ophthalmic Technicians can choose to be generalists or specialists dealing with specific eye diseases or parts of the eyeball.  A few of the specialties worth noting include: immunology, uveitis, veterinary ophthalmology, vitreo-retinal surgeon, refractive surgery, pediatric ophthalmology, retinal ophthalmology, cornea, cataracts, glaucoma, medical retina, ocular oncology, ophthalmology pathology, and neuro-ophthalmology.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$37,040

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

-0.06%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

43,990

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Ophthalmic Technician Degree

Duke University (Durham, NC) is a private research university. It offers a wide range of programs for students. The university also has international exposure through its two concurrent campuses in Asia, located in Singapore and China. Duke University allows students to maximize their learning opportunities by allowing them to pursue a major while pursuing a minor, certificates programs, and/or a second major. Ophthalmic Technician degree program is a 51-week certificate program. Applicants are required to be admitted as a full-time student. This is an accelerated program providing a comprehensive education and extensive training for students in preparation for the Certified Ophthalmic Technician examination. Students are also required to take clinical rotations for further skills enhancement. 

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Georgetown University (Washington, D.C) is a private university and the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States but managed independently from church. Georgetown has ten colleges that offer undergraduate and graduate programs. The top ranked Ophthalmic Technician Program is offered for part-time and full-time students. Students are exposed to both theoretical and clinical aspects of the discipline. The university prepares students for the Certified Ophthalmic Technician examination. Georgetown exposes its students to a variety of learning experiences. Study abroad programs are available and the majority of students get to experience it. 

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) is popular for its strong medical-health and science related programs. USC is the melting pot of many new ideas and new technology were created and developed. The university encourages collaboration and interdisciplinary studies, hence, birth of innovations and inventions. The university also values public service and professional education. The Department of Ophthalmology has been consistently ranking among the best in its area of study for decades. Programs under the department are offered in collaboration with the  Keck School of Medicine of USC, USC Gayle, and Edward Roski Eye Institute. It has undergraduate programs and a long list of graduate programs for interested students. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

College of St. Catherine (St. Paul, MN) also known as St. Catherine University is a private university offering a wide range of academic opportunities. It is one of the oldest higher learning institutions dedicated for women in the Midwest. The university offers baccalaureate programs for women and a co-educational graduate and associate programs. St. Kate also offers pre-professional degrees particularly in the medical and health science field. It has pre-optometry courses required for students who aim to pursue a Doctor of Optometry. Students must finish a four-year program before continuing for a pre-professional course. 

Acceptance Rate

67.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Pima Medical Institute-Denver (Denver, CO) is a private for-profit college that is known for its allied health care programs. The school trains students to be the best health professionals. Denver campus boasts its quality education on programs like dental, medical assisting, nursing, physical therapy or respiratory therapy, and more. The institute offers an Associate degree in Ophthalmic Medical Technician. Students are trained to assist ophthalmologists in providing clinical tasks on eye care. Graduates can immediately assume roles across various clinical settings. Programs offered in PMI are designed to address the demands of the community, particularly on health and medicine.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$14,335 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Renton Technical College (Renton, WA) is a public community college focused on providing undergraduate programs including certificates of completion. Most of the programs are on the professional-technical fields. Ophthalmic Assistant program grants a Certificate of Completion. It provides students with an entry level training guided by the Commission on Accreditation of Ophthalmic Medical Programs standards. Students who aim to earn an Associate degree for this program are given additional requirements. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Career Quest Learning Centers Inc - Lansing (Lansing, MI) is a private higher education institute. The center focuses on training programs for careers in  healthcare, information technology, business, childcare and HVAC-R. Students are trained to be skilled before assuming roles in their chosen industries. The center offers fast-track yet comprehensive programs for students. It also fosters a small class size allowing a more hands-on learning. Students can also enjoy a blended learning approach. Ophthalmic Assistant program can be taken within 35 weeks. The program includes externships and exposure to real-world settings. After rendering required clinical hours, graduates can sit down for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant examination. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$17,727 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Lakeshore Technical College (Cleveland, WI) is considered the institution that provides technical education and training programs. The school offers 100 career programs helping students to easily land jobs in their chosen specific industry. The college aims to address the demand for local manpower in the area. LCT provides opportunities for growth to students and professionals through academic programs, apprenticeship programs, and courses that focus on highly skilled jobs. Ophthalmic Medical Assistant program grants a technical diploma upon completion. Students are trained with essential skills. The curriculum is flexible allowing students to access courses both online and on-campus. This particular program is offered together with the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. LTC-Cleveland provides the technical courses for both colleges.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Palm Beach State College (Lake Worth, FL) is the oldest public community college across the state. It offers associate’s degrees, technical diplomas, and four-year bachelor’s programs. Transfer credits to another institution is also offered in the college. The college has a wide range of programs including Ophthalmic Medical Technology Associate in Science degree program. It is a two-year comprehensive program that provides both coursework and hands-on training for students. PBSC has become the top producer of competent and industry-ready ophthalmic medical technology graduates. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

Florida State College at Jacksonville (Jacksonville, FL) is a public college under the Florida College System. It is focused on providing education on the undergraduate level. FSCJ has several campuses and centers across the state. It grants an associate’s degree for its Ophthalmic Tech major. It prepares students to assume entry-level positions in the medical and surgical eye care industry. The program curriculum is comprehensive. It includes general education, and technical courses as well as clinical instructions. It also requires students to gain practicum experience. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

25:1

Hillsborough Community College (Tampa, FL) is a public college under the Florida College System. It extends its academic programs across five campuses and three centers in the state. It also offers opportunities for professionals through workforce training programs. HCC also runs a special program allowing students to transfer to the University of South Florida. The ophthalmic laboratory technician certificate program awards a certificate of completion. Students are prepared to assume roles in a wholesale or retail optical laboratory. Upon completion, students are eligible to take on an opticianry AS degree. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

Des Moines Area Community College (Ankeny, IA) is a public college focused on providing associates degrees and professional certificates. The college offers transfer study programs for students who aim to complete a bachelor’s degree in another institution. DMACC also offers pre-professional programs for students who aim to pursue careers in medicine, law, engineering, business, or education. DMACC garnered national attention for their Optometric/Ophthalmic Technician program earning significant academic accolades from industry professionals and media nationwide.  

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Sandhills Community College (Pinehurst, NC) is the first public community college in the state. SCC is focused on providing career and technical training to students and professionals. It also offers academic transfer to four-year institutions for students who aim to take further studies. The college is keeping updates on the demands of the industry and the community. The Ophthalmic Medical major in SCC grants a diploma upon completion. Students are prepared to assume an assistant role to licensed physicians specializing in Ophthalmology. The program provides clinical training and theoretical coursework. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Career Quest Learning Centers Inc - Jackson (Jackson, MI) is a private higher education institute. The center focuses on training programs for careers in healthcare, information technology, business, childcare and HVAC-R. Students are trained to be skilled before assuming roles in their chosen industries. The center offers fast-track yet comprehensive programs for students. It also fosters a small class size allowing a more hands-on learning. Students can also enjoy a blended learning approach. Ophthalmic Assistant program can be taken within 35 weeks. The program includes externships and exposure to real-world settings. After rendering required clinical hours, graduates can sit down for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant examination. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$17,727 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (Hudson, NC) is a public community college. It extends its academic programs across Hudson and Boone campuses. Students in CCC&TI are trained with essential skills before assuming roles across a variety of industries. The institute offers transfer and associate programs as well as certificate and diploma programs. The Ophthalmic Medical Assistant degree program grants a diploma upon completion. Students are trained through theoretical lectures and clinical exercises. Graduates are eligible to sit down for the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel, Ophthalmology National Certification Exam at the assistant level. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Middlesex Community College (Middletown, CT) is a public community college focused on providing undergraduate and career training programs. It updates its curriculum from time to time to keep up with the industry demands. A credit certificate is granted to students who finish the Ophthalmic Medical Assisting program. Non-credit courses are also offered for personal and professional-development opportunities. Students have the option to study on-campus or online. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Volunteer State Community College (Gallatin, TN) is a public community college focused on providing undergraduate and certification programs. It extends its academic programs across 11 counties in northern Middle Tennessee. Most students choose to take General Studies from the college in preparation for transfer programs to four-year institutions. Ophthalmic Tech major leads to an associate degree. It is a two-year program providing students with general education and courses focused on the ophthalmic discipline. Students are prepared to take the Certified Ophthalmic Technician upon graduation. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

Portland Community College (Portland, OR) is the largest community college across the state. It offers a wide variety of programs granting associate's degree and transfer programs. PCC also provides continuing education and professional training programs for adults. Ophthalmic Medical Technology program leads to an associate degree. It is a two-year program and students can apply for financial aid if interested. PCC only admits a limited number of students allowing more hands-on experience. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Stark State College (North Canton, OH) is a public college offering a wide range of programs for students in Stark County. The college focuses on providing career and technical programs that will train and enhance the skills of both students and professionals. SSC offers programs that could address the needs of the community. Ophthalmic technology program grants an ophthalmic assistant certificate to students who successfully completed the program. SSC sees that this industry has an increasing demand for professionals, thus, it is providing comprehensive programs for interested students and professionals. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Central Piedmont Community College (Charlotte, NC) is the second largest community college in NC. It houses a long list of academic and professional programs granting degrees, and diplomas and certificates of completion. Other programs are focused on providing practical experience, skills and knowledge to students that can be beneficial for the careers they choose. The Optical Medical degree program leads to two options - an Associate in Applied Science or a diploma. The program provides real-world education to students. Graduates are eligible to take several national certification exams to further qualify as a professional. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Camden County College (Camden, NJ) is a public higher learning institution managing several centers and campuses to extend its education to a larger community. The college provides career training programs preparing students to be industry-ready. Students are trained through practical and theoretical instructions and will be granted with certificate or diploma upon completion. Ophthalmic Medical Tech is a 12-month program designed to accommodate students who have existing jobs. Aside from required coursework, students are expected to take clinical rotations before graduation. The college only accepts a limited number of students per year. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

Triton College (River Grove, IL) is considered as a premier college that offers two-year programs. The college focuses on providing hands-on training to its students that will eventually be beneficial in the industry they chose. Continuing and adult education programs for adults and professionals are also offered in Triton addressing the needs of the community. Students who take the Ophthalmic Technology degree program will be grated with an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Triton is confident in providing quality education for OT students because the program is recognized by the International Council for Accreditation. Triton fosters a selective process on student admissions. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Community College of Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA) is a public community college that grants associate degrees, academic certificates, and proficiency certificates. Students from the college can opt to be admitted to a transfer program and earn a bachelor’s degree or immediately join the workforce. CCP offers an Ophthalmic Assistant Proficiency Certificate program. Students are trained to perform clinical functions in a variety of optical environments. Students will also have the opportunity to gain clinical experiences at The Eye Institute of Salus University and on-site in the OPH laboratory.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Henry Ford Community College (Dearborn, MI) is a public higher learning institution focused on providing two-year programs. It offers a wide variety of programs that leads to academic transfer opportunities or designed as a career training to students and professionals. The major for ophthalmic technicians is a degree-granting program leads to an associate degree.  Students are trained to be skilled and competent before assuming roles in the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Delgado Community College (New Orleans, LA) is the oldest and largest community college in the state. It extends its academic excellence to several locations in New Orleans. The community college offers academic and vocational programs to address the needs of the community through education.  Technical and career programs are also provided to students and adults. Ophthalmic Medical Assisting program is a two semester program that grants a Certificate of Technical Studies in Ophthalmic Medical Assisting. Successful students can also qualify to earn an Associate of General Studies degree depending on some qualifications. Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant examination. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Top Ophthalmic Technician Degrees

Ophthalmic technicians and assistants have an important job to fulfill in the eye industry.  Technicians work closely with eye doctors performing a number of vital tasks ranging from performing eye tests, manipulating specialized equipment, and properly preparing customers.  As such, degree and certificate programs are constructed to prepare technicians for technical and professional demands of the workplace.

Degree programs will provide students with knowledge and skills that include medical terminology, physiology, anatomy, pupillary assessment, tonometry, visual assessment, and regulatory guidelines.

Formal credentials for ophthalmic assistants will come in two primary forms: a certificate program and an undergraduate degree.  To help you find the right program and the best college for you, we have created a summary of each program below.  Additionally, you can quickly connect with accredited colleges and universities that fit your criteria and professional objectives with a simple click.

Ophthalmic Technician Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are designed to provide students with a set of focused courses to prepare for a job in the field of study after graduation.  A certificate for ophthalmic assistants can be taken in a traditional classroom setting or through a distance learning platform.

Online learning and online degrees for Ophthalmic Techs is a viable option for working students or those that require additional flexibility with scheduling.  It is important to understand the value employers in your city or town place on professional certificates.  Make sure to invest time discussing the viability of degree programs versus certificate programs with optometrists in your area prior to committing to a specific certificate program.

Ophthalmic Technician Associate Degrees

Associate degrees for Ophthalmic Technicians are designed to be 2-year programs for full-time students.  Part-time students should expect the program to take longer as a function of program pace and course load.  An associate degree in the field will either be conferred as an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS).

Students can expect to take a combination of general education courses along with core classes to provide a well-rounded educational experience.  General education classes may include English composition, psychology, economics, communications, sociology, and philosophy.

Core classes will include a number of science-based classes regardless of the institution you select.  Examples of core courses you may find in an Ophthalmic Assistant program may include:

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • First Aid and CPR
  • Biology
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Ocular Anatomy
  • Medical Terminology
  • Clinical Skills in Ophthalmology
  • Advanced Ocular Pathophysiology
  • Diagnostic Procedures
  • Ophthalmic Pharmacology
  • Ethics and Legal Issues in Healthcare
  • Chemistry

Educational Requirements for Ophthalmic Techs

In terms of educational requirements, Ophthalmic Technician degree holders will have typically studied a variety of biological and medical courses. Examples of common classes found in certificate and associate degree programs include:

Employment for Ophthalmic Techs

Ophthalmic techs earning a college degree or professional certificate will be equipped to launch a career in eye care.  Students can apply to eye care facilities or establish a direct-hire arrangement depending upon state qualifications and employer preference.  Alternate career paths can exist for OT's with similar skills.  Examples of similar career opportunities include medical assisting, biomedical technician, medical insurance coding, medical equipment repair, and medical billing.

Where Do Ophthalmic Assistants Work?

An Ophthalmic Technician and Assistant can be found in a number of healthcare and medical facilities.  The primary places of employment will include teaching hospitals, eye clinics, and eye centers.  Regardless of the institutions affiliation with a state agency or private practice, the job itself will be very similar.  The processes and procedures within the job may vary slightly from location to location but the skills learned in college will be transferrable from organization to organization.

Job Titles for Ophthalmic Assistants and Techs

As you think about a career in the eye industry, it will be vital to your success to learn job titles and nomenclature in the industry.  To help you better understand the job titles in the eye industry of OT’s, we have assembled a list of common titles to review.

  • Certified Ophthalmic Assistant
  • Ophthalmic Assistant
  • Certified Ophthalmic Technician
  • Certified Ophthalmic Technician-Surgical Assistant (COT-SA)
  • Ophthalmic Medical Technician
  • Certified Ophthalmic Technician with Surgical Assisting
  • Ophthalmic Medical Assistant
  • Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician
  • Ophthalmic Technician
  • Surgical Coordinator

Ophthalmic Techs Job Duties

To help you better match your skills with the job of an OT, we have assembled a list of the job duties of a tech in the eye industry. Take the time to understand the intricacies of the job to ensure a good fit with your core skills and passion to help others.

  • Conducting a variety of tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure
  • Measuring visual acuity using targeting testing methodologies for near, far, dynamic, and pinhole
  • Interviewing and documenting patient medical history
  • Administering oral and topical medications
  • Conducting a range of visual field tests
  • Operating complex equipment such as tomographs, autorefractors, phoropters, and retinoscopes
  • Sterilizing surgical equipment and ophthalmic tools
  • Assessing the anatomical and functional ocular measurements of the eye or tissue
  • Measuring corneal curvature of the eye utilizing ophthalmometers and keratometers to help diagnose common issues or concerns
  • Aiding doctors and physicians in surgical procedures
  • Conducting ocular motility, refractive, and binocular disparity tests
  • Communicating with patients to ensure proper procedures are followed after appointments

Ophthalmic Techs Career Outlook

The United States Department of Labor has estimated the growth of Ophthalmic Technicians as well above average.  In fact, the projected growth of the industry is a robust 15% over the next decade.  To compare, the national average for all jobs during this timeframe is around six percent.

A fifteen percent growth in techs in the eye industry will add some ten thousand jobs during the coming reporting period.  Nearly half of those professionals surveyed earned an undergraduate degree or professional certificate prior to starting their careers in the eye industry.

Ophthalmic technicians currently average $32,520 a year which is approximately $17.00 an hour.  The national averages will range from $22,000 to $51,000 a year as a function of work experience, facility, job scope, and overall duties.  The top paying states for OT's include Iowa, Vermont, Connecticut, and Idaho.  Meanwhile, the largest employers of ophthalmic tech include physicians offices, retail eye stores, and medical equipment manufacturers.

Additional Information for OT's

Non-profit organizations and associations that may be worth researching are the ATPO (Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology), JCAHPO, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).  Each institution provides industry insights, news, resources, and professional networking opportunities for students across the nation.

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