Ophthalmic Technician

Ophthalmic technicians and technologists (OTs) assist ophthalmologists in providing medical eye care. Ophthalmologists specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of eye disorders, vision measurements for glasses, eye muscle exercises, and the prevention of blindness.

Working directly with patients, OTs obtain patient medical histories, administer diagnostic tests, measure and record vision, and test eye muscle function. They also provide contact lens education, administer eye medications, and maintain optical and surgical instruments.

Ophthalmic technologists perform all duties performed by technicians, but have more training and responsibilities. Ophthalmic technologists may assist the ophthalmologist in surgery, perform ophthalmic clinical photography and fluorescence angiography, and electrophysiological and microbiological procedures, as well as supervise other ophthalmic staff.