# 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 29-2057.00
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
- Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT)
- Ophthalmic Assistant
- Ophthalmic Tech (Ophthalmic Technician)
- Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Certified Ophthalmic Medical Tech)
- Certified Ophthalmic Technician-Surgical Assistant (COT-SA)
- Health Technician (Health Tech)
- Ophthalmic Diagnostic Sonographer
- Ophthalmic Medical Assistant
- Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Ophthalmic Medical Tech)
- Certified Retinal Angiographer
- Eyecare Advisor

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Take and document patients' medical histories. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.l |
| Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.a |
| Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.a |
| Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.a |
| Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.i |
| Measure and record lens power, using lensometers. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.d |
| Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications. | Core | 4.A.4.a.5.c |
| Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.a |
| Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery. | Core | 4.A.4.a.5.k |
| Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.i |
| Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.a |
| Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.i |

## Emerging Tasks

| Text |
| --- |
| Order supplies. |
| Perform examinations using ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes. |

## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Administer non-intravenous medications. | 4.A.4.a.5.c |
| Test patient vision. | 4.A.1.b.2.a |
| Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.d |
| Instruct patients in the use of assistive equipment. | 4.A.4.b.3.e |
| Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments. | 4.A.1.a.2.e |
| Sterilize medical equipment or instruments. | 4.A.3.a.1.i |
| Clean medical equipment or facilities. | 4.A.3.a.1.i |
| Maintain medical equipment or instruments. | 4.A.3.b.4.f |
| Record patient medical histories. | 4.A.3.b.6.k |
| Measure the physical or physiological attributes of patients. | 4.A.1.b.2.i |
| Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals. | 4.A.1.a.1.l |
| Fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other vision aids. | 4.A.4.a.5.f |
| Recommend types of assistive devices. | 4.A.4.b.6.b |
| Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery. | 4.A.4.a.5.k |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 4.32 |
| Medicine and Dentistry | knowledge | 4.18 |
| English Language | knowledge | 4 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.88 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.88 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.88 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.62 |
| Written Expression | ability | 3.38 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.38 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.32 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.25 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.25 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Writing | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Service Orientation | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.12 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.12 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.12 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 3 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3 |
| Administrative | knowledge | 2.9 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 2.88 |
| Control Precision | ability | 2.88 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 2.88 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 2.77 |
| Computers and Electronics | knowledge | 2.73 |
| Psychology | knowledge | 2.64 |
| Learning Strategies | essential_skill | 2.62 |
| Instructing | transferable_skill | 2.62 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Email Software | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Presentation Software | Specialized Skill |
| Medical Software | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Presentation software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| AcuityPro | Medical software | no | no |
| Email software | Electronic mail software | no | no |
| EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems EyeMD EMR | Medical software | no | no |
| ezChartWriter | Medical software | no | no |
| iChartPlus | Medical software | no | no |
| Medflow Complete | Medical software | no | no |
| MediPro Medisoft Clinical | Medical software | no | no |
| NaviNet Open | Medical software | no | no |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Contact With Others | 4.91 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.82 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.82 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 4.82 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.73 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.68 |
| Physical Proximity | 4.59 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 4.55 |
| E-Mail | 4.5 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.45 |
| Exposed to Disease or Infections | 4.27 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.09 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.91 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 3.82 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.82 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 3.68 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.64 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.62 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.59 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.5 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 3.5 |
| Time Pressure | 3.32 |
| Spend Time Standing | 3.23 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 3.14 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.14 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.09 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.76 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 2.73 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.73 |
| Level of Competition | 2.73 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 2.45 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 1.95 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 1.91 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 1.82 |
| Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People | 1.73 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 1.73 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 1.64 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 1.64 |
| Public Speaking | 1.59 |
| Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance | 1.41 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 3
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- **Experience:** Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- **Svp Range:** (6.0 to < 7.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 59.09 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 27.27 |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 9.09 |
| Some College Courses | 4.55 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Health Care Service | specific_interest_area | 6.3 |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 5.33 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 4.81 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 4.64 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.41 |
| Medical Science | specific_interest_area | 3.87 |
| Life Science | specific_interest_area | 3.18 |
| Dependability | work_style | 3 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.77 |
| Mathematics/Statistics | specific_interest_area | 2.44 |
| Teaching/Education | specific_interest_area | 2.35 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.32 |
| Personal Service | specific_interest_area | 2.24 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 2.16 |
| Social Service | specific_interest_area | 2 |
| Office Work | specific_interest_area | 1.92 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 29-2099.05 | role-29-2099-05 | Ophthalmic Medical Technologists | Primary-Short |
| 29-2031.00 | role-29-2031-00 | Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | Primary-Short |
| 31-9092.00 | role-31-9092-00 | Medical Assistants | Primary-Short |
| 29-9093.00 | role-29-9093-00 | Surgical Assistants | Primary-Short |
| 29-2099.01 | role-29-2099-01 | Neurodiagnostic Technologists | Primary-Short |
| 31-9099.02 | role-31-9099-02 | Endoscopy Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 29-2055.00 | role-29-2055-00 | Surgical Technologists | Primary-Long |
| 29-2034.00 | role-29-2034-00 | Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | Primary-Long |
| 29-2032.00 | role-29-2032-00 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | Primary-Long |
| 29-1126.00 | role-29-1126-00 | Respiratory Therapists | Primary-Long |
| 29-1241.00 | role-29-1241-00 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | Supplemental |
| 29-1243.00 | role-29-1243-00 | Pediatric Surgeons | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Healthcare & Human Services | healthcare-human-services |

## Education Level

- **Category:** Postsecondary nondegree award

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Health Professions and Related Programs | health-professions-and-related-programs |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 44080
- **Mean Wage:** 45360
- **Pct10Wage:** 34210
- **Pct25Wage:** 37100
- **Pct75Wage:** 49730
- **Pct90Wage:** 60810
- **Employment:** 76520
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 62 | 62 | Health Care and Social Assistance | Sector | 71810 | 44440 | 6.26 |
| 621320 | 621320 | Offices of Optometrists | National industry | 21020 | 37600 | 277.66 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 3120 | 35960 | 0.4 |
| 61 | 61 | Educational Services | Sector | 720 | 57320 | 0.11 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 310 | 54650 | 0.07 |
| 55 | 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Sector | 180 | 47440 | 0.13 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 120 | 58400 | 0.09 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector |  | 37740 |  |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector |  | 50350 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 621320 | 621320 | Offices of Optometrists | National industry | 21020 | 277.66 |
| 62 | 62 | Health Care and Social Assistance | Sector | 71810 | 6.26 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 3120 | 0.4 |
| 55 | 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Sector | 180 | 0.13 |
| 61 | 61 | Educational Services | Sector | 720 | 0.11 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 120 | 0.09 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 310 | 0.07 |
- **Count:** 9

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | 0.078734 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.0545861 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | 0.0829021 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 34
- **Percentile:** 32
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 50 | felten_aioe |
| 50 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 1 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | 0.078734 | 50 | Moderate | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.6052631578947368 | 50 | Moderate | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.007084170878657434 | 1 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.05263157894736842
- **Beta:** 0.3289473684210526
- **Gamma:** 0.6052631578947368

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 19.8
- **Growth Percentile:** 98
- **Direction:** Growing fast
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 12.5
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 67
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 78.8
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 94.4

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 20
- **Skills:** 38
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 14
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 3c8fc22f2f6b3c63