Post job

Explore jobs

Find specific jobs

Explore careers

Explore professions

Best companies

Explore companies

OverviewJobsSalaryResumeSkillsWhat They DoEducationCertificationsDemographicsJob DescriptionHow To HireBest CompaniesBest StatesBest CitiesJob Outlook

Compare

Part Time jobsEntry Level jobsFull Time jobs

Ophthalmic assistant vs paraoptometric

The differences between ophthalmic assistants and paraoptometrics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an ophthalmic assistant and a paraoptometric. Additionally, an ophthalmic assistant has an average salary of $43,217, which is higher than the $34,505 average annual salary of a paraoptometric.

The top three skills for an ophthalmic assistant include patients, patient care and ophthalmology. The most important skills for a paraoptometric are patients, scheduling appointments, and patient history.

Ophthalmic assistant vs paraoptometric overview

Ophthalmic AssistantParaoptometric
Yearly salary$43,217$34,505
Hourly rate$20.78$16.59
Growth rate16%16%
Number of jobs21,559828
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4141
Years of experience22

Ophthalmic assistant vs paraoptometric salary

Ophthalmic assistants and paraoptometrics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Ophthalmic AssistantParaoptometric
Average salary$43,217$34,505
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $62,000Between $26,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CityVancouver, WA-
Highest paying stateHawaii-
Best paying companyEye Consultants of Atlanta-
Best paying industryTransportation-

Differences between ophthalmic assistant and paraoptometric education

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

Ophthalmic AssistantParaoptometric
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 35%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorMedical Assisting ServicesHealth Care Administration
Most common college--

Ophthalmic assistant vs paraoptometric demographics

Here are the differences between ophthalmic assistants' and paraoptometrics' demographics:

Ophthalmic AssistantParaoptometric
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 13.1% Female, 86.9%Male, 8.8% Female, 91.2%
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 ophthalmic assistant and paraoptometric duties and responsibilities

Ophthalmic assistant example responsibilities.

  • Experience with IOP, using Tonopen, knowledge of eye drops, emails prescription and refills to pharmacy, for patients.
  • Obtain patient history to include chief complaint, past ocular history medication and allergies.
  • Check intraocular pressure by application and tonopen.
  • Perform OCT, HVF, FA/FP tests.
  • Order labs, MRI, ect as necessary.
  • Perform OCT scans, and Fluorescein Angiograms.
    • Show more

Paraoptometric example responsibilities.

  • Utilize organization skills in managing business operation keeping Dr. Rivera on schedule.
  • Follow strict HIPAA privacy protocols inpatient record management and use.
  • Aid the doctor during the exam and document the findings in the EHR.
  • Communicate relevant information on care and handling of contact lenses and educate patients on proper insertion and removal of contact lenses.
  • Preform detailed pretesting of all incoming patients.
  • Perform clinic work-ups/manifest refraction utilizing EMR, program and maintain laser equipment, clinical photography, and assist physicians during surgeries.
    • Show more

Ophthalmic assistant vs paraoptometric skills

Common ophthalmic assistant skills
  • Patients, 20%
  • Patient Care, 7%
  • Ophthalmology, 6%
  • Customer Service, 5%
  • Color Vision, 5%
  • Triage, 4%
Common paraoptometric skills
  • Patients, 38%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 6%
  • Patient History, 5%
  • Visual Acuity, 4%
  • Blood Pressure, 4%
  • Medical History, 4%

Ophthalmic Assistant vs. similar jobs

Ophthalmic Assistant related careers

Ophthalmic Assistant related jobs

What similar roles do

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs