Ophthalmic Technologist

What does an Ophthalmic Technologist do?

The Ophthalmic Technologist is a hands-on position that works with patients and supports physicians. They are skilled medical professionals who work alongside Ophthalmologists (also called eye doctors) in performing eye exams and supporting patient eye care. They obtain or check eye history, vital signs, and other patient-related matters. The Ophthalmic Technologist schedules patients, request forms, orders contact lenses, and completes additional office tasks as needed.

Minimum education and experience

• High school diploma plus training/coursework in optometry, ophthalmology or related field; or
• High school diploma plus two years of closely related clinical experience or equivalent
• Certification by the registry of the Joint Commission of Allied Health in Personnel Ophthalmology, or other nationally recognized professional certifying body preferred.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Basic computer skills
• Demonstration of kind and compassionate customer service
• Must be detail oriented with a focus on accuracy and efficiency
• Require sound judgment and skill to support the Ophthalmologist
• Must have or obtain CPR certification

Days/hours

Typically work Monday – Friday, during business hours, 8:00 – 4:30 pm.

Position locations

• Strong Inpatient Service Locations
• Strong Outpatient (Ambulatory) Service Locations

Work environment

This position works in a clinical setting and requires manual dexterity and quality customer service. The Ophthalmic Technologist works on a team supporting the ophthalmologist.

May require periods of sitting and standing.

Pay range

$19.00 – $24.70 Hourly

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Possible career pathway

An example of a pathway within this job family at the University of Rochester:

Ophthalmic Technologist  > Ophthalmic Coordinator > Ophthalmic Lead > Ophthalmologist