Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
O*NET 29-2099.05 · SOC 29-2099
Ophthalmic Medical Technologist is a solid career choice. Median pay is $50k a year with +5.9% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 12,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Perform visual field tests to measure peripheral vision
- →Measure patients' eye pressure using tonometry equipment
- →Fit and adjust contact lenses for patients
- →Assist ophthalmologists during laser eye surgery procedures
- →Photograph retinas and optic nerves using fundus cameras
Education & How to Get In
Most Ophthalmic Medical Technologist positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Ophthalmic Medical Technologist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Ophthalmic Medical Technologists is projected to grow 5.9% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·35% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·30% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·27% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist make?
The median Ophthalmic Medical Technologist earns $50k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Ophthalmic Medical Technologist jobs?
Our model puts Ophthalmic Medical Technologist at 30 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 35% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 30% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Ophthalmic Medical Technologist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 5.9% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 12,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?
Most Ophthalmic Medical Technologist roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Ophthalmic Medical Technologist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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