Ophthalmic Technician/Technologist
A program that prepares individuals to assist ophthalmologists and optometrists in examining and treating patients with vision problems, vision disorders, and eye diseases. Includes instruction in taking patient histories, administering directed treatments and topical medications, diagnostic test procedures and equipment operation, anatomical and functional ocular measurements, patient care and instruction, ophthalmic and surgical equipment maintenance, safety and sterilization procedures, and office administrative procedures.
- Schools offering
- 17
- Annual completions
- 59
- Typical degree level
- Associate's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $52k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to assist ophthalmologists and optometrists in examining and treating patients with vision problems, vision disorders, and eye diseases. Includes instruction in taking patient histories, administering directed treatments and topical medications, diagnostic test procedures and equipment operation, anatomical and functional ocular measurements, patient care and instruction, ophthalmic and surgical equipment maintenance, safety and sterilization procedures, and office administrative procedures.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmic medical technicians | $44k | +19.8% | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$52k
Top colleges for Ophthalmic Technician/Technologist
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland Community College | Portland, OR | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| Henry Ford College | Dearborn, MI | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences | San Juan, PR | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Triton College | River Grove, IL | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Volunteer State Community College | Gallatin, TN | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez | Mayaguez, PR | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Palm Beach State College | Lake Worth, FL | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College | Alexandria, MN | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | Little Rock, AR | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Southwest University at El Paso | El Paso, TX | 0 | 0 | 0 |