Navy NEC · Medical
L14A Opthalmic Surgical Technician
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Overview
An Ophthalmic Surgical Technician prepares ocular patients before surgery and assists, scrubs, or circulates in the operating room under an ophthalmic surgeon's direction. The technician selects, maintains, sterilizes, and sets up delicate surgical instruments, assists with patient treatment and care, and performs diagnostic tests using specialized equipment.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- ophthalmic patient preparation
- operating room scrub technique
- operating room circulation
- ophthalmic instrument identification
- instrument sterilization
- surgical field maintenance
- ophthalmic diagnostic testing
- surgical supply management
- aseptic technique
- patient postoperative support
Civilian Software & Tools
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Database software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Email software
Civilian Career Paths
- Surgical Technology
- Clinical Technician
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)
- Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST)
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Career Growth
- Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT)
- Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
- Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT®)
Also Common
- Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT), CBSPD
What the Work Involves
- Maintain a proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
- Count sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation.
- Scrub arms and hands and assist the surgical team to scrub and put on gloves, masks, and surgical clothing.
- Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses, or anesthesiologists.
- Prepare patients for surgery, including positioning patients on the operating table and covering them with sterile surgical drapes to prevent exposure.
Related Occupations
- Surgical Assistants
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Endoscopy Technicians
- Medical Equipment Preparers
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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