Ophthalmic medical technicians complete the initial portion of the patient’s eye examination, which involves taking the patient history, reviewing a patient’s systemic medical health and medications, checking visual acuity, testing confrontational visual fields, assessing pupils and the ocular muscles, measuring intraocular pressure and performing refractometry.

Christine McDonald, former president of the Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology, refers to the start of her very rewarding career in ophthalmology as a "happy circumstance." A friend told McDonald about a job opening at the ophthalmology practice where she worked. After researching ophthalmology (McDonald didn’t know what it was) and giving her friend four follow-up calls, she interviewed and got a job working in the front office, answering phones, scheduling patients and filing. Eventually, she was supervising the front office, handling the billing and scheduling patients’ surgeries.

She really enjoyed working with the patients, and says she was fortunate that the ophthalmologist at the practice liked to teach. "He would invite me to look through a slit-lamp or hold an eyelid open for him. ... I was hooked right away; I found the field fascinating," McDonald says.

After a decade at this practice, McDonald moved on to a larger practice where she could advance her skills. She also went on to acquire several certifications necessary for advancing in this field.

The trajectory is actually quite common, as most ophthalmic medical technicians receive on-the-job training rather than acquiring any formal training. Yet, these professionals provide a great service to patients and doctors. "Technicians also perform various types of special testing, imaging and assist in minor procedures. They are often in charge of sending prescriptions to pharmacies and triaging patient phone calls," McDonald says.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12.7% employment growth for ophthalmic medical technicians between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 8,400 jobs should open up.

In the U.S., there are multiple formal academic programs in which students can get a degree or diploma in ophthalmic assisting. "However, the majority of ophthalmic assistants/technicians or technologists are trained on the job, working in an ophthalmology practice for a sponsoring ophthalmologist," McDonald explains. "Practices are looking for good ophthalmic assistants/technicians and most ophthalmologists are willing to train new hires who are not certified or with no experience, but are willing to learn."

Certification is the optional next step, which ophthalmic medical technicians can acquire by passing exams administered through the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners. Certification can demonstrate a level of competence and make candidates more attractive to potential employers, according to the BLS.