Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Overview
Introduction
Ophthalmic medical technologists are technologists who specialize in the care of eyes and in the prevention and treatment of eye disease and injury. They assist ophthalmologists in performing eye exams, administering eye medications, and instructing patients in how to use and care for their corrective lenses. They may also assist with minor eye surgeries. There are approximately 171,110 health technologists and technicians employed in the United States, according to the Department of Labor.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Salaries for certified ophthalmic medical technologists employed in 2025 ranged from $35,000 to $86,000, averaging $66,751, according to PayScale.com. The Department of Labor reported that as of March 2023, health technologists and technicians (all others not listed separately) earned a median annual salary of $47,470. The lowest 10 percent earned $35,890 or less and the top 10 percent earned $...
Work Environment
Ophthalmic medical technologists work in offices and examination rooms that are well equipped, attractive, well lighted, and well ventilated. Most ophthalmology offices include staff members such as a receptionist, several nurses, and technologists and technicians; they all work closely together as part of the health care team. Technologists work full time, usually 40 hours per week. Those that...
Outlook
The outlook for ophthalmic medical technologists is bright. As scientific and technological innovations continue to advance the ophthalmology field, technologists will be in high demand to help patients monitor their vision and treat eye diseases. The Department of Labor predicts average employment growth of 5 percent for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians through 2033. More peop...