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Medical & WelfareGrowingBright Outlook

Ophthalmic Medical Technologist

Operational-level

Also known as: Angiographer, Angiography Technologist, Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer (CDOS), Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.
OphthalmologyOphthalmic TechnologyOphthalmic PhotographyOptometrySurgical AssistingHealthcarePatient CareMedical AssistingMedical Careers

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+5.9%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

12,400

per year (US)

Jobs today

185,600

in 2025 → 196,400 (2035)

Typical entry education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
High
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
Low
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

This field is experiencing expansion with increasing job opportunities and career advancement potential. Market demand is rising, with new positions being created.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Assistant Ophtalmique
  • Assistant Médical
  • Apprenti Opticien

Where it can lead

  • Sonnographe Ophtalmique
  • Gestionnaire Clinique Ophtalmique
  • Éducateur en Ophtalmologie

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly assist ophthalmic medical technologists by automating image analysis (e.g., retinal scans) and aiding in early disease detection. This shift will allow technologists to focus more on direct patient interaction, complex procedural assistance, and supervision, evolving their role towards advanced diagnostic interpretation and patient education rather than routine data collection.