by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 55 U.S. colleges awarded 811 degrees and certificates in Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services. Associate degrees are the most popular award, at 52% of graduates. College Factual ranks 33 schools in its 2027 Best Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $35,222 one year after completing, rising to $46,342 after four years.
A 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.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Across the country, ophthalmic & optometric support services is a popular field of study, with 811 degrees awarded annually. 55 colleges award ophthalmic & optometric support services degrees, an average of 15 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 47.
By level, the 811 awards include 228 certificates, 418 associate degrees, 13 bachelor’s degrees and 152 master’s degrees.
Women earned 78% of ophthalmic & optometric support services degrees and certificates in the latest year (634 of 811). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are Hispanic or Latino (401) and White (188), and international students earned 21.
College Factual ranks 33 schools in its 2027 Best Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services Schools ranking, including 22 for associate degrees and 1 for bachelor’s degrees. It also ranks ophthalmic & optometric support services schools within 12 states. In all, 55 colleges offer ophthalmic & optometric support services programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common ophthalmic & optometric support services credential is the associate degree: 418 of the 811 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to ophthalmic & optometric support services call most for Active Listening, Speaking and Reading Comprehension, and for knowledge of Customer and Personal Service, English Language and Medicine and Dentistry, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Comprehension, Oral Expression and Near Vision.
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.
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How long an ophthalmic & optometric support services degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 228 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 418 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 13 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 152 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to ophthalmic & optometric support services, at 54.1%.
| 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% |
Source: O*NET Online.
2 occupations are related to Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services, with an average median salary of $89,870; the strongest outlook belongs to Ophthalmic Medical Technicians, at 3.2% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Eyecare Advisor, Optical Technician (Optical Tech), Health Technician (Health Tech) and Ophthalmic Aide.
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.
The occupation related to ophthalmic & optometric support services with the most projected jobs is Opticians, Dispensing, at 1,161,806.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Opticians, Dispensing | 1,161,806 | 1.8% |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | 654,936 | 3.2% |
Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services graduates earn a median $35,222 one year after completing their program, $46,342 after four years and $39,453 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $35,222 |
| 4 years | $46,342 |
| 5 years | $39,453 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to ophthalmic & optometric support services, with a median salary of $127,783.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Opticians, Dispensing | $127,783 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technicians | $51,958 |
Ophthalmic & Optometric Support Services includes 5 concentrations that together award 811 degrees a year; by graduates, the largest are Opticianry/Ophthalmic Dispensing Optician (407), Optometric Technician/Assistant (196) and Ophthalmic Technician/Technologist (172). It has 30 similar majors in the Health Professions field, which together award 1,036,649 degrees a year; the largest are Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (318,053), Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (110,132) and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (98,474). Browse all Health Professions majors or the full list of college majors.
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