Will “Ophthalmic Medical Assistant” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Assess refractive conditions of eyes, using retinoscopes.

• Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.

• Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.

• Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.

• Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.

• Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.

• Take and document patients' medical histories.

• Conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.

• Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.

• Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.

• Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.

• Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.

• Assist patients to select eyewear.

• Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.

• Assist patients to insert or remove contact lenses.

• Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.

• Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.

• Adjust or make minor repairs to spectacles or eyeglasses.

• Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.

• Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.