Optometrist
Examine eyes, prescribe glasses and contacts, and treat eye conditions.
- $136,570
- 8 years after high school
Healthcare career
Ophthalmic Technician
Also called: Ophthalmic Assistant · Eye Technician · COA · Ophthalmic Medical Technician
What ophthalmic technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an ophthalmic technician do?
Ophthalmic medical technicians assist ophthalmologists and optometrists by taking histories, testing vision, measuring eye pressure and running diagnostic imaging. The median pay is $45,570 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about Under 1 year, and employment is projected to grow +21.4% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$45,570$21.91/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+21.4%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year11,800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardBLS classification
- Time to trainUnder 1 yearTypical program length
- U.S. jobs72,500Employment, 2025
What ophthalmic technicians do
Ophthalmic technicians keep eye clinics running smoothly. They take patient histories, test visual acuity, measure eye pressure, dilate pupils, run imaging such as OCT and visual fields, help with minor procedures and teach patients about eye drops and contact lenses.
Many learn on the job or complete short certificate programs, then earn certifications such as COA. BLS projects much faster than average growth as the population ages.
Typical duties
- Take patient histories
- Test visual acuity
- Measure eye pressure
- Dilate pupils
- Run OCT and visual field tests
- Assist with minor procedures
- Teach patients about drops and lenses
Work environment and schedule
Ophthalmic techs work in eye clinics, surgery centers and hospitals.
Schedule: Most work full-time weekday hours.
A day in the life
- Prep exam rooms.
- Work up glaucoma patients.
- Run OCT scans.
- Do visual field tests.
See a full day in the life of an ophthalmic technician →
Ophthalmic Technician salary
Half of ophthalmic technicians earned more than $45,570 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,700 for the lowest 10% to $61,940 for the top 10%.
Full ophthalmic technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an ophthalmic technician
- Get hired or enroll in a program
- Learn testing skills
- Earn the COA
- Advance to COT
- Become a COMT or lead tech
A postsecondary certificate or on-the-job training is typical, followed by certification.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an ophthalmic technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Visual acuity testing
- Tonometry
- OCT imaging
- Visual fields
- Biometry
People skills
- Patience
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Organization
All ophthalmic technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Much faster-than-average growth
- Short training path
- Regular hours
- Clear advancement through certifications
Cons
- Modest starting pay
- Repetitive testing
- Busy clinic pace
- Lots of standing
Certifications and licenses
- Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA): JCAHPO entry credential.
- Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT): Intermediate credential.
- Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT): Advanced credential.
- Ophthalmic scribe certification: Documentation.
Career path
- Ophthalmic Assistant: Entry role.
- Ophthalmic Technician: Advanced testing.
- Ophthalmic Technologist: Senior role.
- Clinic Manager: Lead operations.
Learn the job before day one
Our Ophthalmic Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as measure visual acuity and run a visual field test, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Ophthalmologist
Diagnose and treat eye diseases and perform eye surgery.
- $300,080
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Optician
Fit eyeglasses and contact lenses so patients see clearly and comfortably.
- $47,260
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Medical Assistant
Room patients, take vitals, give injections and keep clinic records accurate.
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Compare: Ophthalmic Tech vs. Optometrist · Ophthalmic Tech vs. Ophthalmologist · Ophthalmic Tech vs. Optician · Ophthalmic Tech vs. Medical Assistant
Ophthalmic Technician FAQ
Do ophthalmic techs need a degree?
Not usually; many train on the job or in short programs.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects much faster than average growth.
How do you advance?
Through COA, COT and COMT certifications.
How much does an ophthalmic technician make?
The median annual wage for ophthalmic technicians was $45,570 ($21.91 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,700 and the highest 10% earned more than $61,940.
How long does it take to become an ophthalmic technician?
Most people need about Under 1 year of training. A postsecondary certificate or on-the-job training is typical, followed by certification.
Do you need a degree to be an ophthalmic technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.
More ophthalmic technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-2057 (Ophthalmic medical technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Ophthalmic medical technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.