Health Professions and Related Programs
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions
Colleges award this field under 5 named programs, from Opticianry/Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician to Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions, Other.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 5 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Opticianry/Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician
- Prepares you to adapt and fit corrective eyewear, including eyeglasses and contact lenses, as prescribed by ophthalmologists or optometrists; to assist patients in selecting appropriate frames; and to prepare work orders for ophthalmic laboratory technicians. Covers geometrical optics, ophthalmic optics, anatomy of the eye, optical instrumentation, use and maintenance of adjustment and cleaning tools, prescription interpretation, contact lens adaptation and fitting, prosthesis fitting, facial and eye measuring, pathology identification, record-keeping, and patient and business administrative tasks.
- Optometric Technician/Assistant
- Prepares you to assist optometrists in providing patient care, administering examinations and treatments, and performing office administrative functions. Covers applied anatomy and physiology of the eye, visual testing, patient communication, patient preparation, medications and administration, dispensing and fitting of eyeglasses and contact lenses, record-keeping, and office management skills.
- Ophthalmic Technician/Technologist
- Prepares you to assist ophthalmologists and optometrists in examining and treating patients with vision problems, vision disorders, and eye diseases. Covers taking patient histories, administering directed treatments and topical medications, diagnostic test procedures and equipment operation, anatomical and functional ocular measurements, patient care and instruction, ophthalmic and surgical equipment maintenance, safety and sterilization procedures, and office administrative procedures.
- Orthoptics/Orthoptist
- Prepares individuals, under the supervision of ophthalmologists, to analyze, evaluate, and treat specific disorders of vision, eye movement, and eye alignment in children and adults. Covers eye anatomy, neuroanatomy, physiology, pharmacology, ophthalmic optics, diagnostic testing and measurement, orthoptic treatment therapy, systemic ocular diseases and disorders, principles of surgery, examination techniques, patient education, child psychology and development, learning disabilities, medical writing, and record-keeping.
- Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions, Other
- Ophthalmic and optometric support services and allied professions not listed above.
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
- Median pay
- $45,570
- Hiring change through 2035
- 21.4%
- Job openings a year
- 11,800
To get hiredPostsecondary nondegree award
Explore this career Growing with the economyOpticians, Dispensing
- Median pay
- $47,260
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.2%
- Job openings a year
- 5,600
To get hiredHigh school diploma or equivalent
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Most careers connected to this field involve in-person work. About 100 of every 100 openings require working close to other people or spending time on your feet.