Paraoptometric vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant

The differences between paraoptometrics and certified ophthalmic surgical assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a paraoptometric and a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant. Additionally, a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant has an average salary of $44,864, which is higher than the $34,505 average annual salary of a paraoptometric.

The top three skills for a paraoptometric include patients, scheduling appointments and patient history. The most important skills for a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant are patients, surgery, and in-office.

Paraoptometric vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant overview

	Paraoptometric	Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Yearly salary	$34,505	$44,864
Hourly rate	$16.59	$21.57
Growth rate	16%	-
Number of jobs	828	59,884
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 32%	Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age	41	41
Years of experience	2	2

Paraoptometric vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant salary

Paraoptometrics and certified ophthalmic surgical assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Paraoptometric	Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Average salary	$34,505	$44,864
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $44,000	Between $30,000 And $65,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between paraoptometric and certified ophthalmic surgical assistant education

There are a few differences between a paraoptometric and a certified ophthalmic surgical assistant in terms of educational background:

	Paraoptometric	Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 32%	Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common major	Health Care Administration	Nursing
Most common college	-	-

Paraoptometric vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant demographics

Here are the differences between paraoptometrics' and certified ophthalmic surgical assistants' demographics:

	Paraoptometric	Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
Average age	41	41
Gender ratio	Male, 8.8% Female, 91.2%	Male, 10.1% Female, 89.9%
Race ratio	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%	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	6%	6%

Differences between paraoptometric and certified ophthalmic surgical assistant duties and responsibilities

Paraoptometric example responsibilities.

Utilize organization skills in managing business operation keeping Dr. Rivera on schedule.
Follow strict HIPAA privacy protocols inpatient record management and use.
Aid the doctor during the exam and document the findings in the EHR.
Communicate relevant information on care and handling of contact lenses and educate patients on proper insertion and removal of contact lenses.
Preform detailed pretesting of all incoming patients.
Perform clinic work-ups/manifest refraction utilizing EMR, program and maintain laser equipment, clinical photography, and assist physicians during surgeries.

Certified ophthalmic surgical assistant example responsibilities.

Manage surgical scheduling, cataract evaluations, ultrasounds, keratometry, IOL selection, and preoperative exam for surgery.
Perform technical examination, testing and evaluation of cancer patients in outpatient setting and bedside.
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.

Paraoptometric vs certified ophthalmic surgical assistant skills

Common paraoptometric skills

Patients, 38%
Scheduling Appointments, 6%
Patient History, 5%
Visual Acuity, 4%
Blood Pressure, 4%
Medical History, 4%

Common certified ophthalmic surgical assistant skills

Patients, 29%
Surgery, 14%
In-Office, 6%
Laser Treatments, 6%
Medical History, 5%
IOL, 5%

Paraoptometric vs. similar jobs

Paraoptometric related careers

Paraoptometric related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
Paraoptometric
Paraoptometric vs Certified Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs