Certified ophthalmic technician vs certified medical technician

The differences between certified ophthalmic technicians and certified medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a certified ophthalmic technician, becoming a certified medical technician takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a certified ophthalmic technician has an average salary of $43,658, which is higher than the $38,859 average annual salary of a certified medical technician.

The top three skills for a certified ophthalmic technician include patients, ophthalmology and color vision. The most important skills for a certified medical technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Certified ophthalmic technician vs certified medical technician overview

	Certified Ophthalmic Technician	Certified Medical Technician
Yearly salary	$43,658	$38,859
Hourly rate	$20.99	$18.68
Growth rate	16%	5%
Number of jobs	49,836	164,424
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Average age	41	44
Years of experience	2	12

Certified ophthalmic technician vs certified medical technician salary

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

	Certified Ophthalmic Technician	Certified Medical Technician
Average salary	$43,658	$38,859
Salary range	Between $30,000 And $62,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	-	Denton, TX
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between certified ophthalmic technician and certified medical technician education

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

	Certified Ophthalmic Technician	Certified Medical Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 43%	Bachelor's Degree, 28%
Most common major	Biology	Nursing
Most common college	-	University of Connecticut

Certified ophthalmic technician vs certified medical technician demographics

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

	Certified Ophthalmic Technician	Certified Medical Technician
Average age	41	44
Gender ratio	Male, 15.9% Female, 84.1%	Male, 20.4% Female, 79.6%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 15.9% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 14.6% Asian, 10.0% White, 53.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	6%	8%

Differences between certified ophthalmic technician and certified medical technician duties and responsibilities

Certified ophthalmic technician example responsibilities.

Assess patients and document medical history.
Have used the goldmann, tonopen and the Perkins hand hold tonometer.
Perform examinations and interviews with patients.
Obtain intraocular pressure by applanation tonomentry or tonopen.
Perform clinic work-ups/manifest refraction utilizing EMR, program and maintain laser equipment, clinical photography, and assist physicians during surgeries.
Comply with all HIPAA regulations regarding patient information.

Certified medical technician example responsibilities.

Maintain the cleanliness of storage areas, trays, centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers and work area.
Administer medications to patients according to their medication record as scheduled, as needed according to physician orders.
Perform laboratory test and procedures in areas including chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, coagulation, serology, and bacteriology.
Perform first aid and apply CPR when necessary.
Perform first aid or CPR during medical emergencies until paramedics arrive.
Assist the residents in their ADL needs and prepare their meals.

Certified ophthalmic technician vs certified medical technician skills

Common certified ophthalmic technician skills

Patients, 18%
Ophthalmology, 7%
Color Vision, 6%
Visual Acuity, 5%
Visual Fields, 5%
Allergies, 5%

Common certified medical technician skills

Patients, 17%
Vital Signs, 12%
CPR, 8%
Administer Medications, 7%
Resident Care, 6%
HIPAA, 6%

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Certified Ophthalmic Technician
Certified Ophthalmic Technician vs Certified Medical Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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