Occupation AtlasOphthalmic Medical Technicians
O*NET · 29-2057.00
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.
Also called Certified Ophthalmic Medical Tech · Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Certified Ophthalmic Medical Tech) · Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant · Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) · Certified Ophthalmic Technician-Surgical Assistant (COT-SA) · Certified Retinal Angiographer · COT · COT-SA
27 more
Eyecare Advisor · Health Tech · Health Technician (Health Tech) · Medical Tech · Medical Technician (Medical Tech) · Ocular Care Tech · Ocular Care Technician (Ocular Care Tech) · Ocular Care Technologist · Ophthalmic Aide · Ophthalmic Assistant · Ophthalmic Diagnostic Sonographer · Ophthalmic Medical Assistant · Ophthalmic Medical Tech · Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Ophthalmic Medical Tech) · Ophthalmic Scribe · Ophthalmic Tech · Ophthalmic Tech (Ophthalmic Technician) · Ophthalmology Assistant · Ophthalmology Tech · Ophthalmology Technician (Ophthalmology Tech) · Optical Tech · Optical Technician (Optical Tech) · Optometric Assistant · Optometric Tech · Optometric Technician (Optometric Tech) · Paraoptometric · Retinal Angiographer
Compare with another occupationCompare with Forest and Conservation Workers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RISRealistic · Investigative · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic5.33
- I Investigative4.81
- S Social4.64
- C Conventional4.41
- E Enterprising1.75
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (41%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- None (32%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (32%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- WritingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- InstructingImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
Show the other 23
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Time ManagementImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- PersuasionImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Equipment SelectionImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- SciencebasicImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- NegotiationImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- RepairingImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
- ProgrammingImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
18 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Take and document patients' medical histories.Importance 5.0
- Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.Importance 4.9
- Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.Importance 4.9
- Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.Importance 4.9
- Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.Importance 4.9
- Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.Importance 4.9
- Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.Importance 4.8
- Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.Importance 4.7
- Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.Importance 4.7
- Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.Importance 4.7
- Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.Importance 4.6
- Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.Importance 4.6
Show the other 8
- Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.Importance 4.5
- Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.Importance 4.3
- Assess refractive conditions of eyes, using retinoscopes.Importance 4.1
- Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.Importance 4.0
- Assist patients to insert or remove contact lenses.Importance 3.9
- Conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.Importance 3.6
- Adjust or make minor repairs to spectacles or eyeglasses.Importance 2.7
- Assist patients to select eyewear.Importance 2.7
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.3Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 4.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Fill a tooth cavity
- English LanguageImportance 4.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- MathematicsImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- AdministrativeImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- PsychologyImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
Show all 33
- BiologyImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- ChemistryImportance 2.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- MechanicalImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.8Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Communications and MediaImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.2Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.2Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- DesignImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.1Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
Show all 52
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- MemorizationImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Number FacilityImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Time SharingImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- VisualizationImportance 2.1Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- OriginalityImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Static StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- StaminaImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.3Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
Show all 41
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.8Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Processing InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.0Level 2.7
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.6
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.7Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.8Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
14 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (1)
- Microsoft Excelhot
Hot (4; 1 more marked hot above)
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (9)
- AcuityPro
- Email software
- EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems EyeMD EMR
- ezChartWriter
- iChartPlus
- Medflow Complete
- MediPro Medisoft Clinical
- NaviNet Open
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.