Ophthalmic Technologist

What does an Ophthalmic Technologist do?

The Ophthalmic Technologist is a hands-on position that works with patients and supports physicians. At URMC, there are two types of ophthalmic technologists:

Diagnostic Technician

Diagnostic Technicians focus on capturing high-quality imaging and diagnostic data essential for evaluating and managing eye conditions. This includes performing tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus photography, visual fields, and corneal topography. Diagnostic Technicians work with multiple subspecialties and help guide patients through testing protocols. This position is heavily focused on equipment and technology, with shorter patient interactions. Training on the equipment used can be provided on-the-job.

Ophthalmic Clinical Technician

As an Ophthalmic Clinical Technician, you’ll play a key role in supporting patient care by preparing patients for their eye exams, documenting medical histories, and performing basic vision tests and measurements. You’ll work closely with providers during clinic visits, assist with minor procedures, and ensure that exam rooms are set up and maintained. This position is heavily involved in patient interactions with less of a focus on technology and equipment.

Discover what it’s like to be an ophthalmic technologist by viewing a short video.

Note: This video has been provided by the U.S. Department of Labor careeronestop website and the actual duties of this role at the University of Rochester may vary.

Minimum education and experience

• High school diploma plus training/coursework in optometry, ophthalmology, or related field; or
• High school diploma plus two years of closely related clinical experience or equivalent
• Certification by the registry of the Joint Commission of Allied Health in Personnel Ophthalmology, or other nationally recognized professional certifying body preferred.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Basic computer skills
• Demonstration of kind and compassionate customer service
• Must be detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and efficiency
• Requires sound judgment and skill to support the Ophthalmologist
• Must have or obtain CPR certification

Days/hours

Typically work Monday–Friday, during clinic hours, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm

Position locations

• Strong Inpatient Service Locations
• Strong Outpatient (Ambulatory) Service Locations

Work environment

• Hands-On Patient Care: Involves patient-facing tasks like conducting eye exams, taking medical histories, performing diagnostic tests, and educating patients on treatments or post-procedure care.
• Use of Specialized Equipment: Operate and maintain diagnostic tools like visual field machines, tonometers, and slit lamps.
• Fast-Paced and Detail-Oriented: Requires multitasking, attention to detail, and adherence to strict protocols.

• Team Collaboration: Work closely with ophthalmologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Pay range

Use the code URC 204 to find the pay range in the General and Clinical University pay ranges section of the University’s Compensation page.

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal benchmarking considerations.

Possible career pathway

An example of a pathway within this job family at the University of Rochester:

Ophthalmic Technologist  > Ophthalmic Coordinator > Ophthalmic Lead >  Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmic Technologist  > Ophthalmic Coordinator > Ophthalmic Lead > Optician