Post job

Optics test technician vs ophthalmic technician

The differences between optics test technicians and ophthalmic technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an optics test technician, becoming an ophthalmic technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an optics test technician has an average salary of $47,494, which is higher than the $44,042 average annual salary of an ophthalmic technician.

The top three skills for an optics test technician include optical test, test equipment and RF. The most important skills for an ophthalmic technician are patients, patient care, and ophthalmology.

Optics test technician vs ophthalmic technician overview

Optics Test TechnicianOphthalmic Technician
Yearly salary$47,494$44,042
Hourly rate$22.83$21.17
Growth rate-16%
Number of jobs35,86919,063
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Average age5041
Years of experience122

Optics test technician vs ophthalmic technician salary

Optics test technicians and ophthalmic technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Optics Test TechnicianOphthalmic Technician
Average salary$47,494$44,042
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $68,000Between $30,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City-Portland, OR
Highest paying state-Oregon
Best paying company-Eye Consultants of Atlanta
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between optics test technician and ophthalmic technician education

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

Optics Test TechnicianOphthalmic Technician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%Bachelor's Degree, 40%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringBiology
Most common collegeStanford University-

Optics test technician vs ophthalmic technician demographics

Here are the differences between optics test technicians' and ophthalmic technicians' demographics:

Optics Test TechnicianOphthalmic Technician
Average age5041
Gender ratioMale, 71.0% Female, 29.0%Male, 16.8% Female, 83.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%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 Percentage8%6%

Differences between optics test technician and ophthalmic technician duties and responsibilities

Optics test technician example responsibilities.

  • Install and manage windows applications for the user, maintain servers and manage help desk operations.
  • Assemble bottom end and strip, cleaver, splicing fiber and modify PCB.
  • Record data, test incoming PCB and modules, rework, upgrade, and configure optic modules.
  • Maintain records for all testing and calibration in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP), and ISO standards.
  • Test, troubleshoot analog and digital microprocessor circuits to component level, update production to meet current revision requirements.
  • Test, troubleshoot analog and digital microprocessor circuits to component level, update production to meet current revision requirements.

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

Optics test technician vs ophthalmic technician skills

Common optics test technician skills
  • Optical Test, 12%
  • Test Equipment, 10%
  • RF, 9%
  • Calipers, 8%
  • Test Procedures, 7%
  • Optical Components, 6%
Common ophthalmic technician skills
  • Patients, 18%
  • Patient Care, 6%
  • Ophthalmology, 5%
  • Visual Acuity, 5%
  • Visual Fields, 4%
  • Surgery, 4%

Browse architecture and engineering jobs