Licensure/Certification Graduates of accredited programs are eligible to take the national certifying examination at the approved levels. Certification as an ophthalmic assistant/technician/technologist is voluntary and may be obtained from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology. Ophthalmic technologists with special orthoptic training qualify for the national certifying exam given by the American Orthoptic Council (AOC). Continuing education hours are required every three years for recertification. Salary The average hourly wage for ophthalmic assistants/ technicians/ technologists was $11.26 - $13.21, dependent on specific duties and level of responsibility. Educational Programs Certificate University of Florida Professional Associations American Academy of Ophthalmology Association of Technical Personnel in Opthalmology Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology

There are three levels of technical personnel in ophthalmology - ophthalmic assistants, ophthalmic technicians, and ophthalmic technologists. They work under the supervision and direction of an ophthalmologist to perform ophthalmic clinical duties.

They are trained to take medical histories, administer eye medications, instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses, perform all the ophthalmologic tests necessary for preliminary and highly specific eye exams, assist in ophthalmic surgery, and maintain ophthalmic and surgical instruments, as well as office equipment.

Ophthalmic technologists are trained for additional duties, such as taking ophthalmic photographs, using ultrasound, as well as providing instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Ophthalmic technologists are expected to perform at a higher level of expertise than ophthalmic technicians and to exercise considerable clinical technical judgment.

Areas of Specialization
With additional training, an ophthalmic technologist may become an orthoptist specializing in the evaluation and treatment of patients with crossed eyes and related muscle imbalances of the eye. Some programs offer this special emphasis during the second year of the ophthalmic technology training.

Work Environment
Ophthalmic assistants/technicians/technologists are employed primarily by ophthalmologists and may be involved with patients in any setting for which the ophthalmologist is responsible. They may work in medical institutions or private offices.

Job Outlook
An aging population and technological advances in vision care should keep demand steady in Florida.

Length of Training/Requirement
Training is generally six months to one year for ophthalmic assistants, one to two years in length for ophthalmic technicians, and two years for technologists. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy and physiology, history taking, ocular anatomy and physiology, ophthalmic pharmacology, ocular motility and diseases of the eye, diagnostic and treatment procedures, care and maintenance of ophthalmic equipment, ophthalmic surgery procedures, and clinical practicum.

Licensure/Certification
Graduates of accredited programs are eligible to take the national certifying examination at the approved levels. Certification as an ophthalmic assistant/technician/technologist is voluntary and may be obtained from the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology. Ophthalmic technologists with special orthoptic training qualify for the national certifying exam given by the American Orthoptic Council (AOC). Continuing education hours are required every three years for recertification.