Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Ophthalmic Technician
What ophthalmic technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an ophthalmic technician?
Prep exam rooms. From there, the day usually includes take patient histories, test visual acuity, and measure eye pressure. Most work full-time weekday hours.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an ophthalmic technician working full time.
- Prep exam rooms.
- Work up glaucoma patients.
- Run OCT scans.
- Do visual field tests.
- Assist with an eye injection.
- Measure eyes for cataract surgery.
- Clean equipment and log tests.
Where ophthalmic technicians work
Ophthalmic techs work in eye clinics, surgery centers and hospitals.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time weekday hours.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Tonometers
- Autorefractors
- OCT scanners
- Visual field machines
- Biometers
- Eye charts
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Much faster-than-average growth
- Short training path
- Regular hours
- Clear advancement through certifications
What’s hard
- Modest starting pay
- Repetitive testing
- Busy clinic pace
- Lots of standing
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I want a fast path into healthcare
- I like technology
- I’m patient with older adults
- I like regular hours
- I’m detail-oriented
- I want clear career steps
Not sure? Take the free Ophthalmic Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Clean equipment between patients
- Check allergies before drops
- Warn patients about dilation effects
- Follow infection control