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Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

SOC 29-2099.05Job Zone 3 · Medium Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers ophthalmic diagnostic testing, patient history collection, refractive measurement, medication administration, and ultrasound biometry in outpatient ophthalmology clinics, specialty practices, and ambulatory surgery centers at the Job Zone 3 preparation level.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Tonometry equipment — perform basic intraocular pressure measurements under direct supervision in an outpatient ophthalmology clinic.
  2. Patient medical histories — collect and document standard intake information by following structured intake protocols in a clinical setting.
  3. Visual acuity charts and near-vision cards — administer distance and near visual acuity tests under technician oversight in a standard exam lane.
  4. Lensometers — identify and operate basic lens-power measurement instruments with step-by-step guidance in an optical dispensary or clinic.
  5. Topical ophthalmic medications — assist in administering prescribed eye drops following written protocols under supervising clinician direction.
  6. Ultrasound biometry equipment — recognize A-scan and B-scan device components and observe their setup under senior technologist guidance.
  7. Ocular measurement procedures — learn and replicate axial length measurement steps on cooperative patients under direct clinical supervision.
  8. Refractive error documentation — record patient prescription data accurately into electronic medical records following established data-entry guidelines.
  9. Medical software platforms — navigate electronic health record systems to retrieve and log basic patient information in a clinical workflow.
  10. Patient communication skills — greet, orient, and reassure patients during routine ophthalmic testing using clear, professional language in a clinic environment.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Tonometry and tonography tests — conduct intraocular pressure measurements independently and flag abnormal readings for ophthalmologist review in a busy outpatient clinic.
  2. Comprehensive patient histories — obtain, verify, and document complete ocular and systemic medical histories with minimal oversight in a multi-provider practice.
  3. Visual acuity assessments — administer and record near, distance, pinhole, and dynamic visual acuity tests accurately across varied patient populations in a clinical exam suite.
  4. Lensometer readings — measure and record spectacle lens power routinely and detect discrepancies between prescriptions and actual lens parameters in an optical lab.
  5. Refractive error corrections — apply standard formulas to calculate corrective lens prescriptions from refraction data in routine clinical cases.
  6. Ophthalmic medications — administer topical and oral ophthalmic medications per physician orders, monitor patients for immediate adverse reactions in a clinical setting.
  7. A-scan ultrasound biometry — collect axial length measurements using ultrasound equipment to support intraocular lens power calculations in a pre-surgical workflow.
  8. Anatomical ocular measurements — perform measurements of the eye and periocular tissue, including axial length, and integrate results into patient records with routine accuracy.
  9. Time management in clinical flow — coordinate patient scheduling, testing sequences, and exam-lane turnover to maintain efficient throughput in a high-volume ophthalmology practice.
  10. Instructional support for patients — explain post-procedure care instructions and medication regimens clearly to patients and caregivers using appropriate health literacy strategies.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Advanced tonography interpretation — perform and independently interpret tonometry and tonography results, correlating findings with patient history to inform glaucoma management in a specialty clinic.
  2. Full-scope ocular diagnostics — conduct the complete range of anatomical and functional ocular measurements, including B-scan ultrasonography, without oversight across routine and complex cases.
  3. Non-routine visual acuity evaluation — select and administer specialized acuity protocols for pediatric, low-vision, or cognitively impaired patients, adapting methods to individual needs in a tertiary care setting.
  4. Refractive correction calculations — calculate refractive corrections independently for complex prescriptions, including high myopia and astigmatism cases, using clinical data and mathematical reasoning.
  5. Diagnostic ultrasound operation — obtain and evaluate A-scan and B-scan ultrasonography images autonomously, identifying pathological findings and communicating results to supervising ophthalmologists.
  6. Medication management — administer ophthalmic medications, recognize contraindications, and apply critical thinking when patient responses deviate from expected outcomes in a clinical environment.
  7. Clinical documentation quality — review, audit, and correct patient records and diagnostic data for completeness and accuracy in an electronic health record system across an entire patient panel.
  8. Complex problem solving in diagnostics — analyze ambiguous or conflicting diagnostic findings, integrate multiple data sources, and recommend follow-up testing in a multi-specialty ophthalmology practice.
  9. Patient history synthesis — compile comprehensive medical and ocular histories, identify clinically significant patterns, and flag high-risk findings for urgent ophthalmologist attention.
  10. Intraoperative measurement support — provide precise pre-surgical biometry and lens-power data to surgical teams, ensuring measurement accuracy for optimal intraocular lens selection in an ambulatory surgery center.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Diagnostic protocol development — design and implement standardized ophthalmic testing protocols and clinical workflows that optimize accuracy and efficiency across a multi-site ophthalmology group.
  2. Staff training and competency assurance — develop curricula and mentor emerging and developing technologists in tonometry, ultrasonography, and refraction techniques within an organizational training program.
  3. Quality improvement leadership — lead systematic audits of diagnostic measurement accuracy and patient documentation practices, driving measurable improvements in clinical outcomes across the department.
  4. Advanced technology integration — evaluate, select, and oversee implementation of new ophthalmic diagnostic technologies, including ultrasound biometry platforms and medical software systems, at the organizational level.
  5. Scope-of-practice governance — establish and update policies governing technologist duties, medication administration, and patient safety standards in alignment with state regulations and accreditation requirements.
  6. Organizational performance monitoring — analyze practice-wide diagnostic throughput, error rates, and patient satisfaction data to inform strategic decisions by clinical leadership.
  7. Interdisciplinary collaboration leadership — serve as the primary liaison between ophthalmic technologists, ophthalmologists, optometrists, and administrative staff to coordinate seamless patient care delivery.
  8. Learning strategy design — create competency-based learning pathways and assessment tools for onboarding new hires, tailored to the Job Zone 3 preparation level of incoming technologists.
  9. Refractive services program management — oversee the full refractive diagnostic workflow, from measurement to prescription calculation, ensuring consistent accuracy and patient safety across a high-volume practice.
  10. Organizational knowledge transfer — author clinical reference guides, standard operating procedures, and best-practice documentation that codify institutional expertise in ophthalmic diagnostic technology for department-wide use.

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Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Related titles
Angiographer · Angiography Technologist · Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer (CDOS) · Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) · Certified Ophthalmic Technologist · Certified Retinal Angiographer · Medical Technologist · Ocular Care Technologist · Ophthalmic Diagnostic Imager · Ophthalmic Echographer · Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (Ophthalmic Medical Tech) · Ophthalmic Photographer
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
SpeakingActive ListeningSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationCritical ThinkingReading ComprehensionCoordinationInstructingWritingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge domains
Customer and Personal ServiceMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingMathematicsAdministrative
Abilities
Oral ExpressionNear VisionOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivitySpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionWritten ComprehensionInductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionDeductive Reasoning
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessCooperationSocial OrientationEmpathy
Technology
Medical softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareElectronic mail softwareWeb platform development softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareWord processing softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareInternet browser software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
  2. Take and document patients' medical histories.
  3. Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements, such as axial length measurements, of the eye or surrounding tissue.
  4. Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
  5. Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
  6. Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
  7. Calculate corrections for refractive errors.
  8. Collect ophthalmic measurements or other diagnostic information, using ultrasound equipment, such as A-scan ultrasound biometry or B-scan ultrasonography equipment.
CIP education codes
51.081251.081451.090351.090751.090851.091451.091551.091651.091751.092151.092251.092351.099951.1011

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.