Medical technicians who work with ophthalmologists are known as ophthalmic medical technicians. Medical technicians who work in this field support ophthalmologists in their work. To work as an ophthalmic medical technician, you must first complete specialized training. An ophthalmic medical technician must have excellent customer service skills, a thorough understanding of ocular health, and the ability to collaborate with other medical professionals.
Ophthalmic medical technicians are classified into three levels. Certified Ophthalmic Assistants (COA), Certified Ophthalmic Technicians (COT), and Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologists (COMT) are among them (COMT). Entry-level technicians are COAs, and intermediate-level assistants are COTs. The COMT is the most advanced level. Technicians must pass a national certification exam for all three positions.
A person who wants to work as an ophthalmic medical technician will have a variety of responsibilities. He or she may be expected to keep track of patients’ medical histories and teach them how to put contacts in and care for them. In addition to caring for surgical equipment, administering medication to patients, and performing general office duties, ophthalmic medical technicians may be required to perform other tasks.
Programs for ophthalmic medical technicians usually last one to two years. Anatomy and physiology, eye diseases, anatomy and physiology of the eyes, ophthalmic pharmacology, and ophthalmic surgical procedures are all common courses. It’s possible that general education courses like psychology, medical terminology, medical ethics, and medical law will be required. Future technicians must also complete a practicum, which includes hands-on training with experienced ophthalmic professionals.
After completing an accredited ophthalmic medical technician program, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam. The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology administers the exams. They can then look for entry-level positions in the field of ophthalmology. Graduates can also take courses in ultrasound, surgical assisting, poor vision, and ophthalmic photography to further their education.
A person who wants to work as an ophthalmic medical technician can expect to work in a variety of settings. Medical technicians in this field may work in a private ophthalmologist’s office or other health-care settings that require ophthalmologist services. A typical day might consist of assisting patients in choosing eyeglass frames and instructing them on how to care for contacts.
Medical technicians who go on to become medical technologists may be able to help with eye surgery. Fluorescence angiography and ophthalmic clinical photography are two procedures they perform. Electrophysiological and microbiological procedures are also performed medical technologists. They may be asked to supervise other ophthalmic medical technicians because they are advanced medical assistants.