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The differences between opticians and ophthalmologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an ophthalmologist has an average salary of $234,030, 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 ophthalmologist are patients, ophthalmology, and surgery.
| Optician | Ophthalmologist | |
| Yearly salary | $38,412 | $234,030 |
| Hourly rate | $18.47 | $112.51 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 4,717 | 22,043 |
| Job satisfaction | 4 | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Bachelor's Degree, 30% |
| Average age | 44 | 48 |
| Years of experience | - | 6 |
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 ophthalmologist is an eye physician specializing in the care and treatment of eyes and vision. Ophthalmologists are trained and licensed to practice medicine and surgery of the eye and treat all eye diseases. Ophthalmologists also engage in scientific research work to find out causes of eye diseases and vision disorders and come up with cures for these eye problems. The main role of this eye physician is to first preserve and improve a patient's vision.
Opticians and ophthalmologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Optician | Ophthalmologist | |
| Average salary | $38,412 | $234,030 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $50,000 | Between $129,000 And $423,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | New York | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Horizon Laser Vision | Mayo Clinic |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Health Care |
There are a few differences between an optician and an ophthalmologist in terms of educational background:
| Optician | Ophthalmologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 31% | Bachelor's Degree, 30% |
| Most common major | Business | Medicine |
| Most common college | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | University of Virginia |
Here are the differences between opticians' and ophthalmologists' demographics:
| Optician | Ophthalmologist | |
| Average age | 44 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 22.2% Female, 77.8% | Male, 22.7% Female, 77.3% |
| 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, 5.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 18.6% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 13% |