by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services provides you with the education to assist Optometrists in providing clear vision for their patients.
Students in this field learn everything about the eyes so they can improve patients' vision or diagnose and treat and eye diseases. You will take classes in chemistry, biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and optics and visual science to learn how to perform eye exams, eye surgeries, and teach patients how to perform vision rehabilitation.
Some of the concentrations available in this major are Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician, Optometric Technician, Ophthalmic Technology, and Orthoptics.
A major in Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services involves the study of Ophthalmic And Optometric Support Services And Allied Professions. Continue reading for the important information every ophthalmic & optometric support services major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering ophthalmic & optometric support services programs.
Across the country, ophthalmic & optometric support services is a popular field of study, with 742 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services Schools ranking analyzes these 57 schools to determine the best overall colleges for ophthalmic & optometric support services students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of ophthalmic & optometric support services programs later in this article.
Studies in Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations ophthalmic & optometric support services graduates commonly enter.
Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services professionals work closely with patients, making strong communication and interpersonal skills a must. You should be able to make your patients feel comfortable in your office and trust your skills. Decision-making and critical thinking skills are also important because they will help you diagnose vision issues and decide on the best form of treatment.
Graduates with a degree in Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services often go into full time jobs in the field. They usually work in optometrists' offices and hold normal work hours, although some people decide to work evenings or weekends to accommodate their patients' schedule.
Depending on the type of job you would like to pursue in this field, you may need an advanced degree. In order to work as an optometrist you must earn a Doctor of Optometry degree, while other professions only require an associate's. Internships and summer jobs within Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services will allow you to learn more about the different career options and the necessary requirements for each.
Skills developed in a ophthalmic & optometric support services program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a ophthalmic & optometric support services major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several ophthalmic & optometric support services degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 156 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 407 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 7 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 172 |
People currently working in careers related to ophthalmic & optometric support services tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 54.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 26.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 15.1% |
| Some college courses | 4.4% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in ophthalmic & optometric support services careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services graduates typically perform various tasks within an optometrist's office depending on the area of specialization you decide to major in. Other people pursue positions in physicians' offices, other medical centers, or decide to open their own practice.
A degree in ophthalmic & optometric support services prepares you for numerous career paths. These are some of the most common occupations related to ophthalmic & optometric support services.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to ophthalmic & optometric support services.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Opticians, Dispensing | 1,161,806 | 1.8% |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | 654,936 | 3.2% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of ophthalmic & optometric support services graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $34,118 |
| 4 years | $36,016 |
| 5 years | $38,680 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for ophthalmic & optometric support services graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers ophthalmic & optometric support services grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Opticians, Dispensing | $127,783 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | $51,958 |
With 57 different ophthalmic & optometric support services programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased ophthalmic & optometric support services school rankings to help you.
Those considering ophthalmic & optometric support services, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
