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Certified ophthalmic technician vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant

The differences between certified ophthalmic technicians 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 technician and a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant. Additionally, a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant has an average salary of $44,864, which is higher than the $43,658 average annual salary of a certified ophthalmic technician.

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

Certified ophthalmic technician vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant overview

Certified Ophthalmic TechnicianCertified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Yearly salary$43,658$44,864
Hourly rate$20.99$21.57
Growth rate16%-
Number of jobs49,83659,884
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4141
Years of experience22

Certified ophthalmic technician vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant salary

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

Certified Ophthalmic TechnicianCertified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Average salary$43,658$44,864
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $62,000Between $30,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between certified ophthalmic technician and certified ophthalmic surgical assistant education

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

Certified Ophthalmic TechnicianCertified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 43%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorBiologyNursing
Most common college--

Certified ophthalmic technician vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant demographics

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

Certified Ophthalmic TechnicianCertified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 15.9% Female, 84.1%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 technician and certified ophthalmic surgical assistant 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.
  • 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 technician vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant skills

Common certified ophthalmic technician skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Ophthalmology, 7%
  • Color Vision, 6%
  • Visual Acuity, 5%
  • Visual Fields, 5%
  • Allergies, 5%
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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