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Orthoptist vs optometrist

The differences between orthoptists and optometrists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, an optometrist has an average salary of $187,654, which is higher than the $69,904 average annual salary of an orthoptist.

The top three skills for an orthoptist include prism, eye movements and exam rooms. The most important skills for an optometrist are patients, patient care, and diagnosis.

Orthoptist vs optometrist overview

OrthoptistOptometrist
Yearly salary$69,904$187,654
Hourly rate$33.61$90.22
Growth rate-10%
Number of jobs74920,993
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 44%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age4945
Years of experience--

Orthoptist vs optometrist salary

Orthoptists and optometrists have different pay scales, as shown below.

OrthoptistOptometrist
Average salary$69,904$187,654
Salary rangeBetween $49,000 And $98,000Between $94,000 And $373,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CAGreensboro, NC
Highest paying stateAlaskaNorth Carolina
Best paying companyChildren's Hospital of MichiganMayo Clinic
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between orthoptist and optometrist education

There are a few differences between an orthoptist and an optometrist in terms of educational background:

OrthoptistOptometrist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 44%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common majorOphthalmic And Optometric Support ServicesOptometry
Most common collegeDuke UniversityUniversity of California, Berkeley

Orthoptist vs optometrist demographics

Here are the differences between orthoptists' and optometrists' demographics:

OrthoptistOptometrist
Average age4945
Gender ratioMale, 18.2% Female, 81.8%Male, 25.9% Female, 74.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 2.3% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% Asian, 22.1% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 1.4% Unknown, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 5.2% Asian, 17.1% White, 72.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage12%18%

Differences between orthoptist and optometrist duties and responsibilities

Orthoptist example responsibilities.

  • Perform Tonometry (iCare, Tonopen).
  • Perform clinic work-ups/manifest refraction utilizing EMR, program and maintain laser equipment, clinical photography, and assist physicians during surgeries.
  • Project management and event coordinator responsibilities; Dr. Garcia hosts and attends numerous continuing education events yearly.

Optometrist example responsibilities.

  • Experience in OCT, visual fields, and EMR.
  • View cataracts in live patients and compare to class examples.
  • Work closely with the LASIK and cataract surgeons to provide comprehensive care to patients.
  • Perform eye exams and care for all patients including pre op and post operative care.
  • Specialize in anterior segment surgery, cataract, glaucoma, retinal problems, and ocular oncology.
  • Create statistical reports with pre and post topography conditions and visual acuity results in IOL implant surgery.
  • Show more

Orthoptist vs optometrist skills

Common orthoptist skills
  • Prism, 33%
  • Eye Movements, 24%
  • Exam Rooms, 16%
  • Patient Education, 14%
  • Tonopen, 12%
Common optometrist skills
  • Patients, 29%
  • Patient Care, 13%
  • Diagnosis, 13%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Diagnostic Tests, 7%
  • Pre, 6%

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