Also called: Ophthalmic Medical Technician, COT
Helps eye doctors by testing vision, measuring eye pressure, and running eye scans.
Takes patients' history, checks their vision on the eye chart, measures pressure, runs scans, and assists in minor procedures, keeping a busy clinic moving fast.
BLS May 2024 (ophthalmic medical technicians).
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. On-the-job training or a 1-2 year program; COA/COT certification.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification, 2-year college. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Ophthalmic Medical Technology.
Growing much faster than average (about 8% over 10 years). Much faster than average.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Automated devices measure pressure and vision faster; taking histories and helping with procedures in busy clinics remain.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply for ophthalmic assistant trainee jobs at eye doctor offices
Classes: Biology, Health-science CTE, Medical terminology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 29-2057.
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