L.A.'s Employment Level Ranks High For Ophthalmic Medical Technicians
With nearly a thousand holding sustainable positions, the greater Los Angeles area ranks high in the number of ophthalmic medical technicians (OMTs) that are gainfully employed. These specialists are finding work at physicians' offices and surgical hospitals, earning an average annual salary approaching $50,000. It is a broadening vocation that fuses medicine with advancing technology.
"Ophthalmology is a very technology-driven field," said Dr. SriniVas Sadda, Doheny Eye Institute's newly-appointed president and chief scientific officer. "We have many new imaging technologies, such as swept source optical coherence tomography, that allow the individual layers of cells in a patient's eye to be seen. Ophthalmologists rely on the ophthalmic medical technician to use these various devices to capture images and obtain measurements, which the eye doctor then uses for diagnosis and treatment."
What is driving the need for OMTs?
"Our population in L.A. is getting older, as people are living longer. Many eye diseases are more common, as we age. In addition, with the advent of the Affordable Care Act, more people are being insured and now coming in to get their recommended eye exams."
How will an OMT's role change by 2025?
"The number of new eye doctors graduating from our training programs is not keeping pace with the number of additional patients coming to doctors' offices for eye care. To keep up with this need, ophthalmic medical technicians are going to have to play a more significant role in providing care for our patients."
How can OMTs secure solid positions in this profession?
"The most important thing is to have a passion for it. As our field of ophthalmology continues to evolve with new technologies and new treatments, technicians need to prepare for a challenging career that features life-long learning. The key is finding the right ophthalmic practice that is committed to their continued professional growth."
What is your message to endeavoring OMTs?
"This is a growing and exciting field with an opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and make a real difference in the lives of patients. I encourage aspiring ophthalmic medical technicians to jump in with both feet."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.