JOB Talk with an ophthalmic technician
JOB Talk with an ophthalmic technician
Name/age: Kristy Lankford, 32
Occupation: Certified ophthalmic technician
Employer: Shapiro Eye Care
Years in field: 14
Salary range: $43,567 to $64,895, depending on certification level and job requirements.
Source: A national salary and benefits survey conducted by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology and the Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology.
What does your job entail?
I perform a wide variety of tests, such as for visual acuity and eye pressure, to get the patient ready for the doctor. I also check glasses and instill eye drops to dilate the pupils. In addition, I perform special testing such as glaucoma tests, ultrasound and tests to assist in the determination of a patient’s candidacy for Lasik surgery. I also assist in cataract and Lasik surgery.
How did you become involved in this line of work?
I started working in a clerical position at the front desk and was immediately interested in the clinical aspect of ophthalmology. The eye is fascinating and it is very gratifying to help patients see.
What training or education is required?
That’s another thing that is appealing about this job — you can obtain your skills through on-the-job training and continuing education and certification programs offered by the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology. Once you have worked on the job for one year, you are eligible to take your first certification exam. The certification period lasts three years. After one year, you can certify at a higher job level, or you can recertify at the same level after the three-year period is over. There are also sub-specialty certifications you may acquire in areas such as coding specialist, surgical assisting and contact lens specialist.
What does it take to do your job successfully?
Being motivated to learn and staying on top of the latest and most-advanced technology available to the patient. And being part of a practice that truly cares for its patients.
What’s most challenging about your job?
Working with patients that have a sight-threatening disease who have lost vision. They are upset and you have to try and comfort them the best you can. It can be very sad.
What is most rewarding?
Knowing that you played a role in improving someone’s quality of life by helping them to see better. Some patients have such significant cataracts that they are legally blind. When they come in after surgery and are crying because they are so happy with their improved vision, you know you have made a difference in someone’s life.
Any advice for someone interested?
Don’t give up! It’s a lot of hard work and a lot of information to learn, but the skills you acquire in this field will be with you for a lifetime.
Every two weeks, Job Talk highlights a different job in the Triad area with input from those who actually do them. Interested in participating or have a suggestion for a job you’d like us to feature? Contact Patrick Collins at 412-5934 or patrick.collins@news-record.com.
JOB Talk: Kristy Lankford
Kristy Lankford, an ophthalmic technician, performs eye tests and assists with cataract and Lasik surgeries as part of her job at Shapiro Eye Care.
Nancy Sidelinger Special Sections Photographer
