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Certified ophthalmic assistant vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant

The differences between certified ophthalmic assistants and certified ophthalmic surgical assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a certified ophthalmic assistant and a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant. Additionally, a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant has an average salary of $44,864, which is higher than the $42,724 average annual salary of a certified ophthalmic assistant.

The top three skills for a certified ophthalmic assistant include patients, patient care and ophthalmology. The most important skills for a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant are patients, surgery, and in-office.

Certified ophthalmic assistant vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant overview

Certified Ophthalmic AssistantCertified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Yearly salary$42,724$44,864
Hourly rate$20.54$21.57
Growth rate16%-
Number of jobs74,71659,884
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4141
Years of experience22

Certified ophthalmic assistant vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant salary

Certified ophthalmic assistants and certified ophthalmic surgical assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Certified Ophthalmic AssistantCertified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Average salary$42,724$44,864
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $61,000Between $30,000 And $65,000
Highest paying CityVancouver, WA-
Highest paying stateWashington-
Best paying companyHorizon Laser Vision-
Best paying industryTechnology-

Differences between certified ophthalmic assistant and certified ophthalmic surgical assistant education

There are a few differences between a certified ophthalmic assistant and a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant in terms of educational background:

Certified Ophthalmic AssistantCertified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorBusinessNursing
Most common college--

Certified ophthalmic assistant vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant demographics

Here are the differences between certified ophthalmic assistants' and certified ophthalmic surgical assistants' demographics:

Certified Ophthalmic AssistantCertified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 10.5% Female, 89.5%Male, 10.1% Female, 89.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 5.8% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 14.5% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 5.8% White, 62.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between certified ophthalmic assistant and certified ophthalmic surgical assistant duties and responsibilities

Certified ophthalmic assistant example responsibilities.

  • Perform documentation and manage troubleshooting activities with the Compulink EHR software.
  • Check angles, Intraocular pressure by application and tonopen.
  • Screen patients in a general ophthalmology and optometry practice.
  • Perform contrast sensitivity, corneal topography, pachymetry, and Fundus photography.
  • Specialize in patient education to inform patients of their diagnosis, conditions and procedures and/or surgical interventions need.
  • Check IOP using an applanator or tonopen.
  • Show more

Certified ophthalmic surgical assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage surgical scheduling, cataract evaluations, ultrasounds, keratometry, IOL selection, and preoperative exam for surgery.
  • Perform technical examination, testing and evaluation of cancer patients in outpatient setting and bedside.
  • Perform clinic work-ups/manifest refraction utilizing EMR, program and maintain laser equipment, clinical photography, and assist physicians during surgeries.
  • Project management and event coordinator responsibilities; Dr. Garcia hosts and attends numerous continuing education events yearly.

Certified ophthalmic assistant vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant skills

Common certified ophthalmic assistant skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Ophthalmology, 6%
  • COA, 5%
  • Triage, 4%
  • Visual Acuity, 4%
Common certified ophthalmic surgical assistant skills
  • Patients, 29%
  • Surgery, 14%
  • In-Office, 6%
  • Laser Treatments, 6%
  • Medical History, 5%
  • IOL, 5%

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