A branch of medical science, Ophthalmology deals with the study of the anatomy of
the eye and the various disorders that concerns the eye. The medical study of ophthalmology
is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders related to
the eye and vision. A person who qualifies as a doctor in the field of Ophthalmology
is called an Ophthalmologist. The Ophthalmologist is qualified not only extend diagnosis
and treatment, but also is qualified to conduct surgeries. To be specialized and
practice as an Ophthalmologist, the doctor must have a specialized certification
in Ophthalmology which is usually done after the basic medical degree program which
is MBBS. But apart from being a doctor there are various other options as a career
in the field of Ophthalmology. They include the option of a career of technicians,
nurses, Optometry, Ophthalmology photographers and Prosthetics.
Eligibility
For all the career options in the medical sector in ophthalmology, the basic qualification
is a degree in science and then specialized programs in the respective fields. For
Ophthalmology technicians the person needs to specialize in the technician’s course.
Most medical colleges conduct paramedical courses from where the specialization
program can be undertaken.
Required Skills
In most cases the required skills are generic and related to the management, operation
of equipment and knowledge of the field in which the career is. But some of the
special skills need to be imbibed for a career as an Ophthalmology technician. Some
of these skills include:
They basically bridge the gap between the patients and the doctors so the technician
needs to be very accurate in conducting tests using the equipment and machines.
The technicians should have high communication and interpersonal skills to be able
to interact well with the patients.
How to become an Ophthalmology Technician?
After acquiring the regular academic qualifications it is necessary to work as an
intern to gain experience. The best way to do it is to gain experience is to take
up the training offered to be a technician in an institution that is attached to
a hospital so once you are awarded the certificate of a technician, the candidate
will be generally absorbed by the hospital.
Job Description
Basically, the job is that of testing the patient’s eyes, writing reports and providing
the test results to the doctor for further treatment or medications as the case
may be.
Career Prospects
The job of an Ophthalmology technician is really very prestigious and with so many
eye hospitals that have been established it is quite easy to get a job. Moreover,
apart from the hospitals there are job opportunities in the areas of dispensing
of spectacles, teaching in ophthalmic departments, and many others.
Salary
The salary that an Ophthalmology technician can expect to get is really very lucrative
and depending on the kind of hospital the technician is working, it is possible
to earn a handsome salary. If working in government hospitals, the Ophthalmology
technician is also eligible for a range of perks and benefits as a government employee.