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Certified ophthalmic assistant vs ophthalmic medical technician

The differences between certified ophthalmic assistants and ophthalmic medical technicians 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 an ophthalmic medical technician. Additionally, an ophthalmic medical technician has an average salary of $44,422, 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 an ophthalmic medical technician are patients, patient care, and field testing.

Certified ophthalmic assistant vs ophthalmic medical technician overview

Certified Ophthalmic AssistantOphthalmic Medical Technician
Yearly salary$42,724$44,422
Hourly rate$20.54$21.36
Growth rate16%16%
Number of jobs74,71659,876
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4141
Years of experience22

Certified ophthalmic assistant vs ophthalmic medical technician salary

Certified ophthalmic assistants and ophthalmic medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Certified Ophthalmic AssistantOphthalmic Medical Technician
Average salary$42,724$44,422
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $61,000Between $30,000 And $65,000
Highest paying CityVancouver, WAAndover, MN
Highest paying stateWashingtonOregon
Best paying companyHorizon Laser VisionOmni Eye Specialists
Best paying industryTechnologyEducation

Differences between certified ophthalmic assistant and ophthalmic medical technician education

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

Certified Ophthalmic AssistantOphthalmic Medical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorBusinessMedical Technician
Most common college--

Certified ophthalmic assistant vs ophthalmic medical technician demographics

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

Certified Ophthalmic AssistantOphthalmic Medical Technician
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 10.5% Female, 89.5%Male, 21.6% Female, 78.4%
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 ophthalmic medical technician 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

Ophthalmic medical technician example responsibilities.

  • Provide outstanding service to patients in a fast-pace environment.
  • Provide instructions to patients and family members regarding medications and treatments.
  • Perform clinic work-ups/manifest refraction utilizing EMR, program and maintain laser equipment, clinical photography, and assist physicians during surgeries.
  • Compile surgery charts verifying that consents, sign HIPAA forms, and all other necessary paperwork are include prior to procedure.
  • Greet patients and ensure accurate demographic and insurance information into their electronic chart following HiPPA compliance in a paperless practice.

Certified ophthalmic assistant vs ophthalmic medical technician skills

Common certified ophthalmic assistant skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Ophthalmology, 6%
  • COA, 5%
  • Triage, 4%
  • Visual Acuity, 4%
Common ophthalmic medical technician skills
  • Patients, 28%
  • Patient Care, 15%
  • Field Testing, 10%
  • Laser, 9%
  • Diagnostic Tests, 4%
  • Visual Fields, 3%

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