Taking A Look At Eye Care

Ophthalmic medical technologists assist the ophthalmologist, or "eye doctor" in caring for the patient.

By Nancy Giguere, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: July 9, 2007 - 10:02 AM

Most of us remember the high school science project that involved growing bacteria or measuring the pH of diet cola. But few of us would say that the project has had a lasting impact on our lives. For Kris Fey, however, a high school science project was the first step toward a satisfying career.

"I did a project on near- and far-sightedness. And after that, I knew for sure that I wanted to go into eye care," says Fey, program director of Regions School of Ophthalmic Medical Technology.

A Hidden Field

"I was one of the lucky ones," Fey says. "Most people find out about ophthalmic medical technology by accident because the field is not well known."

Many people discover the field when they decide to change careers. Students in the Regions program have included a flight attendant, a carpenter, several stay-at-home moms preparing to re-enter the workforce and a few people who chose the field after they were wait-listed for nursing school.

Technology And Patient Contact

Ophthalmic medical technologists assist the ophthalmologist, or "eye doctor" in caring for the patient. They take histories, measure glasses and perform a wide array of tests to help ensure the accurate diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and other conditions. They may also carry out prescribed treatment, assist in eye surgery and provide patient education.

The field is ideal for people who enjoy patient contact. Technology is another draw.

"Ophthalmic medicine is seeing a huge increase in the use of cutting-edge, computer-based technology," Fey says.

The field is also family-friendly. Most technologists work in clinic settings, and unlike many healthcare professionals, they usually enjoy routine 8-to-5 schedules with little weekend or holiday work.

Education

Although many technologists are trained on the job, most employers prefer to hire individuals with formal training.

"A program like ours is the fast track to getting to the highest possible professional level," Fey says. "You would need at least five years on the job to get to the same level. Even then, you might not have a good understanding of the theory behind the practice."

Applicants to the Regions program must have completed two years of college, including a general psychology course. Biology, medical terminology, general anatomy and college-level math are recommended but not required. The program includes nine months of course work, followed by a 12-month, full-time externship. Graduates are eligible to sit for a national certification exam.

Outlook

The demand for eye care is growing: Aging baby boomers need bifocals, and they are also more likely to develop glaucoma, cataracts and other eye conditions. More people are undergoing LASIK and other refractive surgery. And children's eye problems are being treated earlier.

As a result, the demand for qualified ophthalmic medical personnel is also growing. In fact according to the Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology (ATPO), there are currently not enough qualified people to fill the positions available. In the Twin Cities, the starting salary for a certified ophthalmic technologist is about $20 an hour, according to Fey.

Nancy Giguere is a freelance writer from St. Paul who has written about healthcare since 1995.

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