Side-by-Side Comparison
Optometrists leads 4–0| Metric | Ophthalmologists | Optometrists |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Score | 24.5% | 21.5% |
| Risk Tier | Low Risk | Low Risk |
| Risk Percentile | 18th | 10th |
| Tasks at Risk (>50%) | 5 / 15 | 1 / 10 |
| Median Salary | N/A | $134,830 |
| Employment | N/A | 42K |
Skill Comparison
|
Sorted by largest difference
Controlling Machines and Processes
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Processing Information
Education and Training
InstructingAI-Resistant
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
English Language
Assisting and Caring for Others
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Medicine and Dentistry
Thinking Creatively
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
Protective Factors
Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement
Ophthalmologists
39%
total discount
Optometrists
35%
total discount
Task Risk Comparison
Tasks sorted by AI automation risk — higher means more automatable
Ophthalmologists
5 of 15 at risk86%Document or evaluate patients' medical histories.
80%Refer patients for more specialized treatments when conditions exceed the experience, expertise, or scope of practice of practitioner.
74%Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
53%Perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.
51%Develop treatment plans based on patients' histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.
Optometrists
1 of 10 at risk53%Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
39%Examine eyes, using observation, instruments and pharmaceutical agents, to determine visual acuity and perception, focus and coordination and to diagnose diseases and other abnormalities such as glaucoma or color blindness.
39%Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
39%Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
39%Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements and safety factors.
Wage Comparison
OphthalmologistsOptometrists
10th
N/A$70,060
25th
N/A$103,310
Median
N/A$134,830
75th
N/A$163,710
90th
N/A$203,210
Premium Head-to-Head Analysis
Displacement Timeline Comparison
Ophthalmologists2028–2035
Optometrists2028–2035
20242030203520402045
Optometrists has a longer runway before significant displacement, projected 0 years later than Ophthalmologists.
Transition Feasibility
1%
Skill Overlap
Low overlap — significant retraining needed for transition
0
Unique to Ophthalmologists
0
Unique to Optometrists
Combined Protection Strategy
Regardless of which path you choose, focus on these protective factors
Creativity
Decision Complexity
Social Intelligence
Fine Manipulation
OphthalmologistsOptometrists