Ophthalmic technicians are medical professionals who assist ophthalmologists in caring for patients’ eyes and eyesight. Their job responsibilities range from asking patients about their challenges to administering medications and rendering topical treatments.
Ophthalmic Technician careers are often enjoyable and rewarding. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about an ophthalmic technician’s salary across the states in the United States.
What Does An Ophthalmic Technician Do?
Ophthalmic technicians, also called ophthalmic medical technicians, assist ophthalmologists as they perform clinical eye care. They usually work in ophthalmologist offices, though some may work in medical hospitals or outpatient centers.
Depending on their skill level and practical experience, they may be given a variety of tasks that involve providing care for patients and assisting the resident ophthalmologist.
The typical duties of an ophthalmic technician include:
- Asking patients about their symptoms and recording the information for the doctor
- Performing preliminary exams and tests
- Cleaning and maintaining ophthalmic equipment
- Supporting the ophthalmologist during eye surgeries and procedures
- Administering medications and topical treatments
- Examining test results and contributing to diagnostic discussions
- Answering patients’ questions and encouraging healthy habits
- Writing, editing, and filing patient medical records
How Much Does An Ophthalmic Technician Make?
As stated on salary.com. the average Ophthalmic Technician salary in the United States is $49,675, but the range typically falls between $43,379 and $56,751.
These salary ranges can vary widely based on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
Ophthalmic Technician Average Salary Per Hour
According to Indeed, the average salary of an ophthalmic technician per hour varies based on their location, experience level, and educational background. An ophthalmic technician in the United States earns $17.31 per hour. Salary estimates range from $7.25 to $34.80 per hour.
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Ophthalmic Technician Average Salary By State
Here’s a tabular representation of the average salaries of ophthalmic technicians across states n the U.S.
How Much Does An Entry Level Ophthalmic Technician Make?
According to a report from ZipRecruiter, entry-level ophthalmic technicians earn a national average salary of $35,413 annually and $17 per-hour.
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Highest Paying Cities For Certified Ophthalmic Technicians in The U.S.
Here’s a list of the highest paying cities for ophthalmic technicians as stated by ZipRecruiter.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Mateo, CA | $50,000 | $4,167 | $962 | $24.04 |
| Boston, MA | $49,273 | $4,106 | $948 | $23.69 |
| Daly City, CA | $49,039 | $4,087 | $943 | $23.58 |
| Berkeley, CA | $49,012 | $4,084 | $943 | $23.56 |
| Santa Monica, CA | $48,612 | $4,051 | $935 | $23.37 |
| Renton, WA | $48,588 | $4,049 | $934 | $23.36 |
| Juneau, AK | $48,499 | $4,042 | $933 | $23.32 |
| Green River, WY | $48,447 | $4,037 | $932 | $23.29 |
| Queens, NY | $48,397 | $4,033 | $931 | $23.27 |
| Quincy, MA | $48,229 | $4,019 | $927 | $23.19 |
Top Companies For Ophthalmic Technician In The U.S.
Here’s a list of the highest-paying companies for ophthalmic technicians in the U.S.
| Company | Salary |
| UCHealth | $60,884 |
| SightMD | $54,576 |
| Eye Care of San Diego | $54,127 |
| Retina Macula Specialists of Miami | $54,112 |
| Acuity Eye Group | $52,561 |
What Is The Work Environment of Ophthalmic Technicians Like?
Ophthalmic medical technicians work 35 to 40 hours per week in a neat, well-lit office setting. They generally do not work on evenings or weekends, but there are exceptions.
Because they are in constant contact with patients, ophthalmic technicians must be outgoing. They must have the manual dexterity to operate equipment and spend much of the day walking and standing.
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Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14.3 percent employment growth for ophthalmic medical technicians between 2020 and 2030. In that period, an estimated 8,700 jobs would be available.
FAQs On Ophthalmic Technician
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job opportunities for ophthalmic technicians will increase by 11% between 2018 and 2028, much faster than the national average.
The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology offers three levels of certification. Those who seek a position as an ophthalmic technician in the future may pursue the entry-level Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) certification. Ophthalmic technicians can pursue the Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT) certification. Ophthalmic technicians who wish to learn advanced skills such as assisting ophthalmologists during surgery can work towards a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) certification.
Ophthalmic assistants are qualified to perform basic eye exams and vision tests, take patients’ medical records, and instruct patients on how to administer eye medication while
Ophthalmic technicians can perform all functions of an ophthalmic assistant and perform additional clinical tasks such as determining intraocular pressure and measuring corneal curvature.
Conclusion
The path to becoming an ophthalmic technician is one that can lead to a satisfying career that features job security and competitive pay. This field is also steadily growing as more and more ophthalmic technicians are joining the workforce every year.
Ophthalmic technicians typically find employment in vision care centers, private ophthalmologist practices and outpatient care centers.
References
- explorehealthcareers.org – Ophthalmic Medical Technician
- indeed.com – Ophthalmic Technician salary in United States
- ziprecruiter.com – Certified Ophthalmic Technician Salary
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