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The differences between opticians and ophthalmic assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an ophthalmic assistant has an average salary of $43,217, which is higher than the $38,412 average annual salary of an optician.
The top three skills for an optician include patients, customer service and basic math. The most important skills for an ophthalmic assistant are patients, patient care, and ophthalmology.
| Optician | Ophthalmic Assistant | |
| Yearly salary | $38,412 | $43,217 |
| Hourly rate | $18.47 | $20.78 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 16% |
| Number of jobs | 4,717 | 21,559 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Years of experience | - | 2 |
An optician is a medical expert specializing in people's various visual conditions. Opticians analyze eye examinations and the grade of patients' vision from the optometrist or ophthalmologists' prescriptions and design appropriate lenses to improve their sight. One of the most crucial responsibilities of an optician is to ensure that the patient is comfortable with the customized lenses. Otherwise, the optician must perform adjustments as needed. Opticians also recommend styles to the patient and provide instructions on how to properly clean and maintain the eyewear.
An ophthalmic assistant works with an ophthalmologist and assists with recording patient information, updating patient records, and obtaining medical records. You may also be required to book and follow up on patient appointments. Ophthalmic assistants counsel patients about treatment and care and may be required to take ocular measurements of patients or administer medication. Ophthalmic assistants do a lot of customer service work giving patients information regarding eye care and explaining to patients procedures and medications.
Opticians and ophthalmic assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Optician | Ophthalmic Assistant | |
| Average salary | $38,412 | $43,217 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $30,000 And $62,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Vancouver, WA |
| Highest paying state | New York | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Horizon Laser Vision | Eye Consultants of Atlanta |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Transportation |
There are a few differences between an optician and an ophthalmic assistant in terms of educational background:
| Optician | Ophthalmic Assistant | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Bachelor's Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Business | Medical Assisting Services |
| Most common college | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | - |
Here are the differences between opticians' and ophthalmic assistants' demographics:
| Optician | Ophthalmic Assistant | |
| Average age | 44 | 41 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 22.2% Female, 77.8% | Male, 13.1% Female, 86.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.7% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 9.2% White, 61.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% | 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 | 13% | 6% |