What to Expect

Students in ophthalmic technology programs learn to administer eye tests, take eye measurements and assist in eye surgery.

Kent Rose took ophthalmic technology at a hospital training center. He read the newspaper and found an ad looking for students to study eye technology.

He wondered if working in an eye clinic might be a career for him. "It wasn't the first time that I'd heard of something like this because this is a relatively small town," he says.

"I knew some of the students who'd gone through this program and I actually knew the instructor. We went to high school together way back when."

That was enough for Rose to call and inquire about the program that only takes on two students every two years. "I found out about it, got interviewed and then was selected," he says.

The program is divided into classroom and clinical time. "There is a good variety," says Rose. "We spend the morning in lectures and then in the afternoon go with another technician or the instructor and do hands-on work."

Rose enjoyed the practical experience. "You get to actually work with people and see the results."

Often, training in ophthalmic technology can continue once a student has graduated and begun working in a clinic. Lisa Massoni, an ophthalmic technician in Sacramento, says that there is ongoing training at her clinic.

"You definitely need to know how the lasers work and how to assist in this type of surgery," she says. "Some of this is learned on the job because of the newer technology."

She also says that medical assistants or nurses can learn to assist in laser surgery with some additional on-the-job training. "Of course, you need to know all about the eye, but you can always learn more about the procedures."

How to Prepare

High school students should make sure they take courses in the sciences. "I've always been oriented towards the sciences and so I enjoy that part of it," says Rose. "Students should definitely take biology, but it also involves some physics and chemistry."

Rose also says that students should also be prepared to work with people. "It would help to get experience in this area," he says. "It's a very enjoyable program."