Perform vision tests, assist with ophthalmic surgical procedures, and interact with patients are all responsibilities of an ophthalmic technologist. An ophthalmic technologist has completed a training program at a community or career college. The technologist is an important member of the eye health care team who works under the supervision of an ophthalmologist.
Ophthalmology may be a good fit for people who enjoy interacting with others, want to work in the medical field, but don’t want to work overnight shifts. An ophthalmic technologist’s primary responsibility is to complete the ophthalmologist’s special testing and work with the patient as needed. As the population ages, this career is expected to grow faster than average.
Retinoscopy, automated visual field exams, and other vision tests are performed by an ophthalmic technologist. To be completed correctly, these exams all require ophthalmic equipment, precision, and special skills. Clients typically have noticed a vision problem and have been referred to an ophthalmologist by their optometrist. Because this is a specialized medical practice, most clients must have a referral in order to schedule an appointment.
As needed, additional tests such as ophthalmic photography, ultrasonography, or slit lamp examination techniques may be performed. All of these tests are necessary for a proper diagnosis of eye problems. The tests themselves are time-consuming, and collecting a sample of eye tissue may necessitate the use of numbing drops or general anesthesia. Because precision and accuracy are so important, the tests do not need to be repeated.
The ophthalmic technologist is required to assist the ophthalmologist during eye operations. A day surgery clinic or a hospital operating room may be used, depending on the type of surgery. The technologist is expected to assist the surgeon in preparing the patient for surgery, as well as perform follow-up tests immediately afterward. The patient is awake and aware during most eye surgeries.
Interacting with patients is an important aspect of the technologist’s job. A new client’s typical interaction pattern is to have several eye tests with the technologists. The results are given to the ophthalmologist, who will advise on the next steps. The patient will be expected to return to the office for tests on a regular basis in order to track the progress of the eye problem or disease.
Important skills include the ability to work well with a diverse group of people, solve problems quickly, and put people at ease. Additional patient counseling courses are beneficial to many technologists in this role. A relaxed patient is less stressed and has a better chance of a successful surgical procedure.