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Optical assistant vs optical dispenser

The differences between optical assistants and optical dispensers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an optical assistant has an average salary of $39,251, which is higher than the $37,333 average annual salary of an optical dispenser.

The top three skills for an optical assistant include patients, HIPAA and computer system. The most important skills for an optical dispenser are american board, ABO, and insurance coverage.

Optical assistant vs optical dispenser overview

Optical AssistantOptical Dispenser
Yearly salary$39,251$37,333
Hourly rate$18.87$17.95
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs2,9786,198
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Associate Degree, 34%
Average age4444
Years of experience--

Optical assistant vs optical dispenser salary

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

Optical AssistantOptical Dispenser
Average salary$39,251$37,333
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $57,000Between $11,000 And $116,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between optical assistant and optical dispenser education

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

Optical AssistantOptical Dispenser
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 32%Associate Degree, 34%
Most common majorBusinessPhysics
Most common collegeEmory UniversityDuke University

Optical assistant vs optical dispenser demographics

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

Optical AssistantOptical Dispenser
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 13.0% Female, 87.0%Male, 42.7% Female, 57.3%
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, 5.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 8.9% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage13%13%

Differences between optical assistant and optical 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

Optical dispenser example responsibilities.

  • Maintain coating quality using adhesion testing and spectrophotometers, and manage coating hues and reflectance adjustments.
  • Follow all IRB, FDA and HIIPA directions relate to clinical research projects.
  • Order glasses verify insurance order contacts make appointment follow up on RX order
  • Assist patients with eye wear selection, repairs and troubleshooting with Rx difficulties.
  • Work with multiple optometrists to solve patient issues including inaccurate optical measurements, lens adaptations, and overall patient satisfaction.
  • File insurance for orders including medicare and medicaid.

Optical assistant vs optical dispenser skills

Common optical assistant skills
  • Patients, 15%
  • HIPAA, 15%
  • Computer System, 14%
  • Data Entry, 13%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 12%
  • Telephone Inquiries, 11%
Common optical dispenser skills
  • American Board, 47%
  • ABO, 24%
  • Insurance Coverage, 18%
  • Customer Service, 4%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 2%
  • Optical Lab, 2%

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