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OaSIS 2025 Version 1.0
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32109.03 – Ophthalmic technologists and technicians

Ophthalmic medical technologists and technicians assist ophthalmologists in performing ophthalmic procedures, and surgeries.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Ophthalmic technician
  • Ophthalmic technologist

Core competencies

  • Social Perceptiveness to provide high-quality care, improve patient experiences and maintain effective communication within the healthcare team
  • Instructing to educate patients about their eye conditions, treatments and the importance of following prescribed care plans
  • Finger Dexterity to precisely handle delicate instruments, accurately operate diagnostic and measuring equipment and assist in surgeries
  • Near Vision to see small details clearly, examine eyes, collect precise measurements and record data
  • Attention to Detail to ensure accuracy in patient histories, test results and prescription lens administration
  • Knowledge in Biology to understand and collect anatomical and functional ocular measurements accurately related to diagnostic information to support the care of patients

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Take patients' general medical and ophthalmic history
  • Conduct specialized testing such as refractometry, ultrasonography, fluorescein angiography or ocular motility testing to aid ophthalmologists in assessing patients' vision
  • Instruct patient on diagnostic test and record, interpret and troubleshoot results
  • Assist ophthalmologists in performing ophthalmic procedures, and surgeries
  • Prepare specimens for culture and staining
  • Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications as directed by ophthalmologists
  • Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment
  • May instruct and supervise other ophthalmic staff and perform various administrative duties
  • May participate in research activities.

Additional information

  • Ophthalmic medical technicians may progress to ophthalmic medical technologists’ positions with training, experience and certification.
  • Certified Ophthalmic Technician and Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist may have additional specialty certification such as Registered Ophthalmic Ultrasound Biometrist (ROUB) or Certified Diagnostic Ophthalmic Sonographer (CDOS).

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (33101)
  • Medical laboratory technologists (32120)
  • Opticians (32100)
  • Other assisting occupations in support of health services (33109)
  • Other medical technologists and technicians (32129)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

3 – Health occupations

TEER

2 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of two or more years; or supervisory occupations

Major group

32 – Technical occupations in health

Sub-major group

321 – Technical occupations in health (except practitioners of natural healing)

Minor group

3210 – Technical occupations in therapy and assessment

Unit group

32109 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment

Occupational profile

32109.03 – Ophthalmic technologists and technicians

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.