Side-by-Side Comparison
Ophthalmologists leads 3–1| Metric | Ophthalmologists | Physician Assistants |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Score | 24.5% | 27.9% |
| Risk Tier | Low Risk | Medium Risk |
| Risk Percentile | 18th | 29th |
| Tasks at Risk (>50%) | 5 / 15 | 4 / 12 |
| Median Salary | N/A | $133,260 |
| Employment | N/A | 156K |
Skill Comparison
|
Sorted by largest difference
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
Control Precision
Coaching and Developing Others
Psychology
Scheduling Work and Activities
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Near Vision
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
Education and Training
Physics
Protective Factors
Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement
Ophthalmologists
39%
total discount
Physician Assistants
37%
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.
Physician Assistants
4 of 12 at risk86%Order medical and laboratory supplies and equipment.
74%Administer or order diagnostic tests, such as x-ray, electrocardiogram, and laboratory tests.
64%Obtain, compile and record patient medical data, including health history, progress notes and results of physical examination.
54%Make tentative diagnoses and decisions about management and treatment of patients.
50%Interpret diagnostic test results for deviations from normal.
Wage Comparison
OphthalmologistsPhysician Assistants
10th
N/A$95,240
25th
N/A$113,770
Median
N/A$133,260
75th
N/A$160,160
90th
N/A$182,200
Premium Head-to-Head Analysis
Displacement Timeline Comparison
Ophthalmologists2028–2035
Physician Assistants2028–2035
20242030203520402045
Ophthalmologists has a longer runway before significant displacement, projected 0 years later than Physician Assistants.
Transition Feasibility
1%
Skill Overlap
Low overlap — significant retraining needed for transition
0
Unique to Ophthalmologists
0
Unique to Physician
Combined Protection Strategy
Regardless of which path you choose, focus on these protective factors
Fine Manipulation
Creativity
Decision Complexity
Social Intelligence
OphthalmologistsPhysician Assistants