Home › Healthcare Practitioners › Ophthalmic Medical Technicians

How an ophthalmic medical technician can use AI, task by task

O*NET 29-2057.00: Ophthalmic Medical TechniciansMedian pay $45,570/year (BLS, May 2025)20 tasksJob Zone 3: Medium preparation

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions. May administer eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct the patient in care and use of corrective lenses.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Certified Ophthalmic Medical Tech), Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant, Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT), Certified Ophthalmic Technician-Surgical Assistant (COT-SA), Health Technician (Health Tech), Ophthalmic Assistant, Ophthalmic Diagnostic Sonographer, Ophthalmic Medical Assistant, Ophthalmic Medical Technician (Ophthalmic Medical Tech), Ophthalmic Tech (Ophthalmic Technician).

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 0%AI-assist 23%Stays human 77%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 0 AI-ready, 5 AI-assist and 15 human-led tasks out of 20. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Take and document patients' medical histories.Write it up · Hourly or more
Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.Write it up · Hourly or more
Assist patients to insert or remove contact lenses.Train & teach · Weekly

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.Hands-on care · Hourly or more
Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.Hands-on care · Hourly or more
Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.Hands-on care · Hourly or more

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 0

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

None of this job's tasks are here.

AI can help you prep these 5

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Take and document patients' medical histories.

Hourly or more

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to take and document patients' medical histories.

Context: We use EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems EyeMD EMR and AcuityPro.
Specialty: [chiropractic, dental, general]
What to capture: [conditions, meds, allergies, history]

Draft a medical history template with prompts. No patient data. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: History-taking template

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you take and document patients' medical histories (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Specialty] and [What to capture] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 5.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Record patient medical histories.. Also involves: Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals..

Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.

Hourly or more

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to measure and record lens power, using lensometers.

Context: We use EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems EyeMD EMR and AcuityPro.
Specialty: [chiropractic, dental, general]
What to capture: [conditions, meds, allergies, history]

Draft a medical history template with prompts. No patient data. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: History-taking template

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you measure and record lens power (today).

Step 2Fill in [Specialty] and [What to capture] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Record patient medical histories.. Also involves: Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment..

Assist patients to insert or remove contact lenses.

Weekly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to assist patients to insert or remove contact lenses.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Device: [cane, meter, brace]
Patients: [general]

Plan teaching steps and teach-back. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Teaching device use to patients

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assist patients (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Device] and [Patients] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Have the patient demonstrate before they leave.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Instruct patients in the use of assistive equipment..

Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.

Weekly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Device: [cane, meter, brace]
Patients: [general]

Plan teaching steps and teach-back. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Teaching device use to patients

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you instruct patients (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Device] and [Patients] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Have the patient demonstrate before they leave.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Instruct patients in the use of assistive equipment..

Assist patients to select eyewear.

Monthly

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to assist patients to select eyewear.

Context: We use EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems EyeMD EMR and AcuityPro; the work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Need: [mobility, medication, equipment]
Options: [types]

Write clear comparisons and when to refer. Keep answers to 2-3 sentences and flag any that depend on the situation.

10-minute exercise: Device recommendations

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assist patients. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Need] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Save the answers you'd actually use and tweak each one the first time you send it.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 2.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Recommend types of assistive devices..

These stay human 15

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Contact with others: constant contact with others · Face-to-face discussions: every day · Physical closeness to others: very close (near touching) · Dealing with the public: extremely important

Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.

Hourly or more

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Exam or test: [type]
Patient group: [describe]

Write a plain-language explanation, what patients will feel, and aftercare. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Eye exam explanation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct tonometry or tonography tests (today).

Step 2Fill in [Exam or test] and [Patient group] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Test patient vision..

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

Hourly or more

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Exam or test: [type]
Patient group: [describe]

Write a plain-language explanation, what patients will feel, and aftercare. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Eye exam explanation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you measure visual acuity (today).

Step 2Fill in [Exam or test] and [Patient group] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Test patient vision..

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

Hourly or more

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Exam or test: [type]
Patient group: [describe]

Write a plain-language explanation, what patients will feel, and aftercare. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Eye exam explanation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you operate ophthalmic equipment (today).

Step 2Fill in [Exam or test] and [Patient group] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Test patient vision..

Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.

Hourly or more

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Routes: [oral, injection, other]
Setting: [describe]

Summarize safety checks and documentation. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Medication route refresher

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications (today).

Step 2Fill in [Routes] and [Setting] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Administer non-intravenous medications..

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

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Measurement: [impressions, body metrics, physiological tests]
Equipment: [tools]

List steps, accuracy tips and common errors. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Measurement routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye (today).

Step 2Fill in [Measurement] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Measure the physical or physiological attributes of patients..

Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Exam or test: [type]
Patient group: [describe]

Write a plain-language explanation, what patients will feel, and aftercare. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Eye exam explanation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct ocular motility tests.

Step 2Fill in [Exam or test] and [Patient group] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Test patient vision..

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

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Measurement: [impressions, body metrics, physiological tests]
Equipment: [tools]

List steps, accuracy tips and common errors. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Measurement routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you measure corneal curvature.

Step 2Fill in [Measurement] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Measure the physical or physiological attributes of patients..

Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Exam or test: [type]
Patient group: [describe]

Write a plain-language explanation, what patients will feel, and aftercare. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Eye exam explanation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct visual field tests (today).

Step 2Fill in [Exam or test] and [Patient group] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Test patient vision..

Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Equipment: [low vision devices, exercise equipment]
Tasks: [cleaning, checks]

List maintenance routine. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Device or equipment upkeep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment (today).

Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Tasks] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain medical equipment or instruments..

Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.

Weekly

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Setting: [OR, procedure room]
Items: [instruments, equipment]

List sterility verification steps. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Sterility check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Setting] and [Items] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Sterilize medical equipment or instruments.. Also involves: Clean medical equipment or facilities..

Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.

Weekly

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Procedure: [type]
Role: [first assist, consult]

Summarize steps and key moments as study notes. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Surgical assist prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assist physicians (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Procedure] and [Role] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Assist healthcare practitioners during surgery..

Assess refractive conditions of eyes, using retinoscopes.

Daily

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to assess refractive conditions of eyes, using retinoscopes.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Exam or test: [type]
Patient group: [describe]

Write a plain-language explanation, what patients will feel, and aftercare. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Eye exam explanation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assess refractive conditions of eyes (today).

Step 2Fill in [Exam or test] and [Patient group] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Test patient vision.. Also involves: Operate diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment..

Conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.

Weekly

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Exam or test: [type]
Patient group: [describe]

Write a plain-language explanation, what patients will feel, and aftercare. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Eye exam explanation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you conduct binocular disparity tests (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Exam or test] and [Patient group] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Test patient vision..

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

Monthly

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Procedure: [type]
Recovery period: [timing]

List complications to watch for, when to escalate, and plain-language aftercare instructions for patients. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Post-procedure watch list

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you call patients. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Procedure] and [Recovery period] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use the aftercare wording with your next patient.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments..

Adjust or make minor repairs to spectacles or eyeglasses.

A few times a year

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to adjust or make minor repairs to spectacles or eyeglasses.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Device: [glasses, contacts]
Common issues: [fit, comfort]

List fitting and adjustment steps and patient instructions. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Eyewear fitting routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you adjust or make minor repairs.

Step 2Fill in [Device] and [Common issues] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 2.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other vision aids..

Get the full prompt pack for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Critical Thinkingimportance 3.0/5
Used in: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Active Listeningimportance 3.6/5
Used in: Assisting and Caring for Others
Monitoringimportance 3.0/5
Used in: Assisting and Caring for Others
Speakingimportance 3.2/5
Used in: Assisting and Caring for Others

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Writingimportance 3.1/5
Used in: Documenting/Recording Information
Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.1/5
Used in: Training and Teaching Others
Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 2.9/5
Used in: Training and Teaching Others
Active Learningimportance 3.0/5
Used in: Training and Teaching Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Ophthalmic Medical Technologists84% human-led · Same preparation · $50,290/yr · usually high school diploma
Skills to build: Time Management, Complex Problem Solving, Critical Thinking
Dental Assistants72% human-led · Same preparation · $48,070/yr · usually post-secondary certificate
Skills to build: Complex Problem Solving
Dental Hygienists72% human-led · Same preparation · $98,100/yr · usually associate's degree
Skills to build: Persuasion

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 2 new or updated tasks here: 0 AI-ready, 1 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Order supplies.

New in O*NET

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to order supplies.

Context: We use EyeMD EMR Healthcare Systems EyeMD EMR and AcuityPro.
What I need: [parts, lab supplies, materials]
Stock and usage: [current levels, how fast we use them]
Suppliers: [who we buy from]

Make an order list with quantities, a reorder-point table and a requisition template. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Ordering supplies

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you order supplies.

Step 2Fill in [What I need], [Stock and usage] and [Suppliers] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check part numbers and approvals before placing the order.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

New O*NET task (08/2020). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so its label comes from similar tasks, such as “Order supplies.” (Barbers), and was checked by hand. O*NET work activity: Order materials, supplies, or equipment.. Also involves: Purchase stocks of merchandise or supplies.; Order medical supplies or equipment..

Perform examinations using ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.

New in O*NET

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmic medical technician. Part of my job is to perform examinations using ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, customer and personal service and mathematics.
Exam or test: [type]
Patient group: [describe]

Write a plain-language explanation, what patients will feel, and aftercare. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Eye exam explanation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform examinations.

Step 2Fill in [Exam or test] and [Patient group] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Updated O*NET task (08/2020), replacing: “Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.”. O*NET work activity: Test patient vision..

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (59% of workers)

High school or less 59%
Certificate or some college 32%
Associate's 9%

On-the-job training: 3–6 months
Related experience: 1–2 years
Professional certification: important (3.7/5)

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word