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Optical assistant vs ophthalmic dispenser

The differences between optical assistants and ophthalmic dispensers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an ophthalmic dispenser has an average salary of $63,550, which is higher than the $39,251 average annual salary of an optical assistant.

Optical assistant vs ophthalmic dispenser overview

Optical AssistantOphthalmic Dispenser
Yearly salary$39,251$63,550
Hourly rate$18.87$30.55
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs2,9783,326
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Associate Degree, 50%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

Optical assistant vs ophthalmic dispenser salary

Optical assistants and ophthalmic dispensers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Optical AssistantOphthalmic Dispenser
Average salary$39,251$63,550
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $57,000Between $33,000 And $120,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between optical assistant and ophthalmic dispenser education

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

Optical AssistantOphthalmic Dispenser
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Associate Degree, 50%
Most common majorBusinessOphthalmic And Optometric Support Services
Most common collegeEmory UniversityDuke University

Optical assistant vs ophthalmic dispenser demographics

Here are the differences between optical assistants' and ophthalmic dispensers' demographics:

Optical AssistantOphthalmic Dispenser
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 13.0% Female, 87.0%Male, 48.6% Female, 51.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.4% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 9.1% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 3.4% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 8.1% White, 69.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage13%13%

Differences between optical assistant and ophthalmic dispenser duties and responsibilities

Optical assistant example responsibilities.

  • Maintain coating quality using adhesion testing and spectrophotometers, and manage coating hues and reflectance adjustments.
  • Book appointments when the Dr's office is closed.
  • Take measurements before turning frames and Rx over to the lab to have glasses make.
  • Acquire, comply with and obtain a thorough knowledge and understanding of HIPPA and OSHA practices.
  • Verify and confirm Rx's from the lab, work with computers and fax machines daily.
  • Order new frames from leading suppliers, reconcile statements from vendors and process VSP and eyem claims.
    • Show more

Ophthalmic dispenser example responsibilities.

  • Work with multiple optometrists to solve patient issues including inaccurate optical measurements, lens adaptations, and overall patient satisfaction.
  • Check insurance and submit claims (eyem and VSP).

Optical assistant vs ophthalmic dispenser skills

Common optical assistant skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • HIPAA, 15%
  • Computer System, 14%
  • Data Entry, 13%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 12%
  • Telephone Inquiries, 11%
Common ophthalmic dispenser skills

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