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Details Report for:
29-2099.03 - Ophthalmic Medical Technologists and Technicians

Conduct diagnostic tests such as central and peripheral visual field, ocular motility, color vision, or pharmacological pupil tests; or tonometry, tonography and tensilon tonography tests to determine intraocular pressure and pupil testing for size, equality and reaction prior to dilation.

This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.

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Tasks  |  Interests  |  Work Values  |  Education  |  Wages & Employment

Tasks   Save Table (XLS/CSV)

  • Administer diagnostic tests such as central and peripheral visual field tests, ocular motility tests, color vision tests, and pharmacological pupil tests.
  • Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to determine intraocular pressure.
  • Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
  • Assist patients with fitting contact lenses.
  • Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures.
  • Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.
  • Measure and record lens power using lensometers.
  • Measure distance and near visual acuity using appropriate tests.
  • Operate ophthalmic equipment such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, and retinoscopes.
  • Perform advanced ophthalmic procedures including electrophysiological or microbial procedures.
  • Photograph patients' eye areas using clinical photography techniques.
  • Perform refractometric procedures to determine subjective refractive errors or vertex distances.
  • Collect ophthalmic information using ultrasound equipment.
  • Adjust or make minor repairs to spectacles and eyeglasses.
  • Supervise or instruct ophthalmic staff.
  • Document patients' medical histories.

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Interests   Save Table (XLS/CSV)


Occupational Interest
Interest
89   Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
78   Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
56   Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
28   Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
17   Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
 Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

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Work Values   Save Table (XLS/CSV)


Extent
Work Value
67   Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
67   Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
50   Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
50   Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
50   Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
45   Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

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Education

Education data collected from Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other.


Percentage of Respondents
Education Level Attained
45   Some college
28   High school or less
27   Bachelor's degree or higher

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics external site survey of employees aged 25-44.

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Wages & Employment Trends

National

Median wages data collected from Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other.
Employment data collected from Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other.
Industry data collected from Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other.

Median wages (2008) $18.25 hourly, $37,950 annual
Employment (2008) 82,000 employees
Projected growth (2008-2018) Faster than average (14% to 19%) Faster than average (14% to 19%)
Projected job openings (2008-2018) 32,000
Top industries (2008)
Health Care and Social Assistance (79% employed in this sector)

State & National

          CareerOneStop

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data external site and 2008-2018 employment projections external site. "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.

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