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Optometric technician vs ophthalmic medical technician

The differences between optometric technicians and ophthalmic medical technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an optometric technician and an ophthalmic medical technician. Additionally, an ophthalmic medical technician has an average salary of $44,422, which is higher than the $30,928 average annual salary of an optometric technician.

The top three skills for an optometric technician include patients, customer service and patient care. The most important skills for an ophthalmic medical technician are patients, patient care, and field testing.

Optometric technician vs ophthalmic medical technician overview

Optometric TechnicianOphthalmic Medical Technician
Yearly salary$30,928$44,422
Hourly rate$14.87$21.36
Growth rate16%16%
Number of jobs33,41259,876
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 38%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age4141
Years of experience22

Optometric technician vs ophthalmic medical technician salary

Optometric technicians and ophthalmic medical technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Optometric TechnicianOphthalmic Medical Technician
Average salary$30,928$44,422
Salary rangeBetween $24,000 And $39,000Between $30,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City-Andover, MN
Highest paying state-Oregon
Best paying company-Omni Eye Specialists
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between optometric technician and ophthalmic medical technician education

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

Optometric TechnicianOphthalmic Medical Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 38%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorBiologyMedical Technician
Most common college--

Optometric technician vs ophthalmic medical technician demographics

Here are the differences between optometric technicians' and ophthalmic medical technicians' demographics:

Optometric TechnicianOphthalmic Medical Technician
Average age4141
Gender ratioMale, 14.7% Female, 85.3%Male, 21.6% Female, 78.4%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 Percentage6%6%

Differences between optometric technician and ophthalmic medical technician duties and responsibilities

Optometric technician example responsibilities.

  • Maintain coating quality using adhesion testing and spectrophotometers, and manage coating hues and reflectance adjustments.
  • Preform pre-test on patients, using auto refractor, NCT and OCT and fundus photos.
  • Identify, reference and apply insurance coverage and present financial policies and arrangements accurately to patients.
  • Perform and interpret OCT and HVF.
  • Measure eye pressure with Tonopen and tonometer.
  • Maintain accurate and organize patient records, including EHR.
  • Show more

Ophthalmic medical technician example responsibilities.

  • Provide outstanding service to patients in a fast-pace environment.
  • Provide instructions to patients and family members regarding medications and treatments.
  • Perform clinic work-ups/manifest refraction utilizing EMR, program and maintain laser equipment, clinical photography, and assist physicians during surgeries.
  • Compile surgery charts verifying that consents, sign HIPAA forms, and all other necessary paperwork are include prior to procedure.
  • Greet patients and ensure accurate demographic and insurance information into their electronic chart following HiPPA compliance in a paperless practice.

Optometric technician vs ophthalmic medical technician skills

Common optometric technician skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Patient Care, 10%
  • Field Testing, 8%
  • Excellent Organizational, 7%
  • Pre-test, 5%
Common ophthalmic medical technician skills
  • Patients, 28%
  • Patient Care, 15%
  • Field Testing, 10%
  • Laser, 9%
  • Diagnostic Tests, 4%
  • Visual Fields, 3%

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