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Ophthalmic technician vs ophthalmic medical technician

The differences between ophthalmic technicians 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 an ophthalmic technician and an ophthalmic medical technician. Additionally, an ophthalmic medical technician has an average salary of $44,422, which is higher than the $44,042 average annual salary of an ophthalmic technician.

The top three skills for an ophthalmic technician include patients, patient care and ophthalmology. The most important skills for an ophthalmic medical technician are patients, patient care, and field testing.

Ophthalmic technician vs ophthalmic medical technician overview

Ophthalmic TechnicianOphthalmic Medical Technician
Yearly salary$44,042$44,422
Hourly rate$21.17$21.36
Growth rate16%16%
Number of jobs19,06359,876
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4141
Years of experience22

Ophthalmic technician vs ophthalmic medical technician salary

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

Ophthalmic TechnicianOphthalmic Medical Technician
Average salary$44,042$44,422
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $62,000Between $30,000 And $65,000
Highest paying CityPortland, ORAndover, MN
Highest paying stateOregonOregon
Best paying companyEye Consultants of AtlantaOmni Eye Specialists
Best paying industryHealth CareEducation

Differences between ophthalmic technician and ophthalmic medical technician education

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

Ophthalmic TechnicianOphthalmic Medical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 40%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorBiologyMedical Technician
Most common college--

Ophthalmic technician vs ophthalmic medical technician demographics

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

Ophthalmic TechnicianOphthalmic Medical Technician
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 16.8% Female, 83.2%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 ophthalmic technician and ophthalmic medical technician duties and responsibilities

Ophthalmic technician example responsibilities.

  • Conduct computerized pre-test on patients including auto-refraction, automate visual field screenings and visual acuity.
  • Sterilize and set-up instruments for ophthalmic surgical procedures, assist with minor office surgery and laser treatments.
  • Perform vision examination; administer eye drops; obtain eye pressure using tonopen applanation.
  • Assist ophthalmologists in scribing during patient exams, retinoscopy, lensometry, laser therapy, and fluorescein angiograms.
  • Conduct several tests on patients including visual field tests, OCT, HRT, corneal pachymetry, dilation, etc.
  • Test patients for glaucoma using the necessary equipment and procedures
  • 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.

Ophthalmic technician vs ophthalmic medical technician skills

Common ophthalmic technician skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Patient Care, 6%
  • Ophthalmology, 5%
  • Visual Acuity, 5%
  • Visual Fields, 4%
  • Surgery, 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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