Ophthalmic technicians assist ophthalmologists in their practice of ophthalmology, which focuses on the surgical and medical treatment of eye problems. According to the Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology, most work of an ophthalmic technician is in an ophthalmologist’s private clinic. Ophthalmic technicians fulfill numerous functions, such as acquiring health histories from patients, explaining how to use contact lenses, maintaining equipment, measuring vision, performing diagnostic examinations and providing eye medication. Additional responsibilities may include the following:

• Assisting the ophthalmologist in surgery
• Performing ophthalmic clinical photography
• Fluorescence angiography
• Electrophysiological & microbiological  procedures
• Supervising ophthalmic staff
If you want a career as an Ophthalmology Technician, you’ll need a high school diploma and additional training from a vocational school or community college. Experience as an optometrist assistant or medical technician would help prepare you for a career in Ophthalmology. Students would need a high school diploma (or General Educational Development (GED)1 certificate) and two years of college prior to beginning ophthalmic training programmes. These programmes may vary in length, but can take up to two years to complete. Along with degree qualifications, the aspiring ophthalmic technicians should also have qualities like commitment to helping people, average skills in health science, math, and computers, adequate vision and hearing to perform necessary clinical duties, the ability to learn how to operate ophthalmic equipment, the ability to obtain knowledge and skills on the job or through educational courses and volunteer experience in healthcare and first aid training is helpful but not necessary.

Ophthalmic technicians obtain training in one or a combination of ways:

• On-the-Job Training - Most ophthalmic practices have their own training programmes and procedures for entry-level ophthalmic assistants with no previous experience or training in the field. Senior level ophthalmic assistants often supervise and train new employees. The training includes both on-the-job work and homework in the form of independent study courses or computer-based training programmes.

• Academic Training in an Accredited Programme - Many academic institutions offer short-term (three- to six-months or two- to four-year) accredited programmes in ophthalmic medical assisting. These programmes offer training on state-of-the-art equipment. Students learn professional standards, and often have the opportunity to practice their skills in a clinical setting. Educational institutions also offer job placement programmes to assist graduates in finding employment upon completion of their academic programme.

• Independent Study and Distance Learning - The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology, Inc. (JCAHPO)2 and the Canadian Ophthalmologic Society (COS) offer independent study and distance learning programmes to make it convenient for ophthalmic assistants to learn what they need to know.

Colleges in India providing courses in Ophthalmology Technician are:

• Government Medical College & Hospital - Chandigarh, Punjab
• The King George Medical College - Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• Moti Lal Nehru Medical College - Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
• The Indira Gandhi National Open University - New Delhi, Delhi
• Christian Medical College & Hospital - Ludhiana, Punjab
• National Hospital Institute of Health Sciences - Kozhikode, Kerala
• Krishna Institute Of Medical Sciences - Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
• Nalanda Open University - Patna, Bihar
• College of Medical Technologists College of Physiotherapy (TCMT), Ongole, Andhra Pradesh
• C.U. Shah Ophthalmic Post Graduate Training Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences
• St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore

Ophthalmic assistants earn above-average pay, and their salaries usually increase as they gain experience and training. The Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology (ATPO®), the national membership organisation for ophthalmic assistants, conducts an annual survey of salaries in the field; typical salaries for ophthalmic assistants range from USD 30,000 to USD 70,000. Men and women who choose a career in ophthalmic assisting describe many advantages and benefits. They enjoy working in a professional environment with talented and dedicated physicians and technicians. Other benefits include flexible scheduling. Most ophthalmic practices hire both full- and part-time positions, and allow a significant degree of flexibility in work schedules. This is an important benefit for working parents, those pursuing higher education, etc.
Recently, various organisations involved in eye care came together, and asserted the urgent need to have a common curriculum and certification process, so that this cadre of personnel - who in many ways are the backbone of eye care - can evolve into a formal, well-trained and effective workforce. Several eye hospitals that are currently engaged in such training have formed a network. This network, which is in the process of taking form, will initially focus on establishing the standards and guidance for accreditation agree upon a common curriculum and lay down the assessment and certification process for the students undergoing the training. The network will also produce and disseminate teaching materials so that standard of training is enhanced. This initiative would contribute towards developing a new cadre of formally certified eye care personnel. This would also open up career opportunities for them in a big way. And it would be further strengthened when the government comes forward and recognises the training.
n conclusion, ophthalmic assistants enjoy virtually unlimited job opportunities nation-wide and internationally because of their specialised skills. Positions are usually located in hospitals, clinics, university research facilities, private practices, and in the US military. Ophthalmic assistants also have many opportunities for career advancement. Most of today’s ophthalmic assistants began as entry-level personnel and worked their way up to management positions through continuing education, training, and certification. There are many education opportunities available to ophthalmic assistants. The options range from computer-based learning programmes to home study courses, regional class sessions, and continuing education conferences.
General Educational Development (GED) tests are a group of five subject tests which, when passed, certify that the taker has American or Canadian high school-level academic skills. The GED is sometimes referred to as a General Equivalency Diploma or General Education Diploma.
2The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO®) is recognized as an international leader in the development and conduct of certification and continuing education programs for ophthalmic medical personnel. Its certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), verifying that the program meets the highest national voluntary standards for private certification.