Description
Support ophthalmologists by performing patient intake, pretesting, and basic clinical duties. Conduct preliminary eye exams, administer medications as directed, operate diagnostic equipment, assist with in-office procedures and surgical preparation, and educate patients on eye care and corrective lenses.
- • Administer topical ophthalmic medications as ordered.
- • Perform preliminary refraction using an autorefractor or retinoscope as directed.
- • Assist patients with inserting and removing contact lenses.
- • Call patients to check post-operative status and document recovery.
- • Clean and sterilize ophthalmic instruments and exam rooms.
- • Conduct ocular motility testing to assess extraocular muscle function.
- • Administer visual field testing and record results.
- • Educate patients on contact lens care and handling.
- • Maintain and calibrate ophthalmic instruments and restock supplies.
- • Measure and record spectacle lens power with a lensometer.
- • Measure and document near, distance, pinhole, and dynamic visual acuity.
- • Operate diagnostic devices such as autorefractors, phoropters, keratometers, and retinoscopes.
- • Obtain anatomical or functional ocular measurements, such as axial length, as directed.
- • Collect and document ocular and medical histories and chief complaints.
- • Perform minor adjustments or repairs to eyeglasses.
- • Help patients select eyewear when applicable.
- • Assist the ophthalmologist during in-office procedures and prepare patients for surgery.
- • Conduct depth perception testing (binocular disparity).
- • Perform tonometry to measure intraocular pressure.
- • Measure corneal curvature with a keratometer or ophthalmometer.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
