The Profession

Ophthalmic medical technologists are highly skilled professionals who perform a wide range of delegable tasks and patient care activities in ophthalmology. Modern ophthalmic practice relies upon an array of specialized diagnostic procedures to assess visual function, and ophthalmic medical technologists are proficient at maximizing the quality of data these procedures produce.

Ophthalmic medical technologists have a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human visual system. They can take visual and medical histories, measure the eyes optical system and calculate basic corrections for deficiencies of near- or far-sightedness, use ultrasound for measurements and diagnosis, create ophthalmic photographs to document lesions of the retina and cornea, assist in ophthalmic surgery, assess abnormalities of color vision and measure eye muscle function.  

Because many ophthalmic patients suffer great stress at the prospect of catastrophic eye disease and possible blindness, ophthalmic medical technologists must have a caring demeanor along with strong communication skills.

There are many opportunities available for ophthalmic medical technologists in private offices, group practices and in academic departments of ophthalmology. Because technologists are the most highly skilled technical personnel in the field, many assume supervisory roles and teach other members of the allied health team.

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