Healthcare · SOC 29-2057
Ophthalmic testing is largely hands-on, but AI is making real inroads on diagnostic imaging interpretation.
Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
Timeline: AI retinal screening for diabetic retinopathy is already FDA-approved; techs who handle surgical assist and advanced diagnostic procedures will be better insulated than those doing routine measurements.
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$98,340 median pay
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AI job-risk card
Ophthalmic Medical Technicians is watch on AIFear. Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Ophthalmic Medical Technicians is 35/100 (Watch). Parts of the job are exposed, but judgment and context still matter.
35 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Documenting and entering patients' medical histories, Measuring and recording lens power using lensometers, Assessing refractive conditions with automated retinoscopes, Conducting standard depth perception and disparity tests. Harder to automate: Operating and adjusting complex ophthalmic instruments, Administering topical medications to patients, Assisting physicians directly during ophthalmic surgery, Sterilizing and maintaining ophthalmic equipment.
Lean into Ophthalmic diagnostic instrumentation, AI-assisted retinal imaging, Clinical assisting in ophthalmic surgery, Patient documentation and EMR. Consider roles such as Ophthalmic medical technologist (senior level) or Certified ophthalmic assistant educator or Ophthalmic surgical coordinator.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.