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The differences between ophthalmic photographers and ophthalmic technicians 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 photographer and an ophthalmic technician. Additionally, an ophthalmic photographer has an average salary of $51,409, which is higher than the $44,042 average annual salary of an ophthalmic technician.
The top three skills for an ophthalmic photographer include patients, patient care and visual fields. The most important skills for an ophthalmic technician are patients, patient care, and ophthalmology.
| Ophthalmic Photographer | Ophthalmic Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $51,409 | $44,042 |
| Hourly rate | $24.72 | $21.17 |
| Growth rate | 9% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 2,781 | 19,063 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
An Ophthalmic Photographer utilizes specialized imaging equipment to take detailed eye photos, which plays a significant role in helping ophthalmologists in diagnosing and treating eye disorders. Aside from operating the camera and microscope, they also assist the clients during the procedure, helping them understand the process and instructing them on what to do, all while making them feel comfortable every step of the way. Moreover, an Ophthalmic Photographer processes the images, developing them according to standards and protocols.
An ophthalmic technician specializes in providing eye care services to patients under the supervision of an ophthalmologist. Among their responsibilities include conducting interviews, taking notes of the patients' symptoms, conducting eye examinations and tests, administering medication, and performing support tasks for ophthalmologists during procedures. They may also set-up and operate equipment, perform maintenance checks, and maintain the cleanliness of work areas. Moreover, an ophthalmic technician may perform clerical tasks such as preparing and processing documents, answering calls and correspondence, arranging appointments, and assisting patients in filling out forms.
Ophthalmic photographers and ophthalmic technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Ophthalmic Photographer | Ophthalmic Technician | |
| Average salary | $51,409 | $44,042 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $72,000 | Between $30,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Portland, OR |
| Highest paying state | - | Oregon |
| Best paying company | - | Eye Consultants of Atlanta |
| Best paying industry | - | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an ophthalmic photographer and an ophthalmic technician in terms of educational background:
| Ophthalmic Photographer | Ophthalmic Technician | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 67% | Bachelor's Degree, 40% |
| Most common major | Photography | Biology |
| Most common college | Duke University | - |
Here are the differences between ophthalmic photographers' and ophthalmic technicians' demographics:
| Ophthalmic Photographer | Ophthalmic Technician | |
| Average age | 39 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 40.0% Female, 60.0% | Male, 16.8% Female, 83.2% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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 Percentage | 11% | 6% |