Side-by-Side Comparison
Optometrists leads 5–0| Metric | Optometrists | Physician Assistants |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Score | 21.5% | 27.9% |
| Risk Tier | Low Risk | Medium Risk |
| Risk Percentile | 10th | 29th |
| Tasks at Risk (>50%) | 1 / 10 | 4 / 12 |
| Median Salary | $134,830 | $133,260 |
| Employment | 42K | 156K |
Skill Comparison
|
Sorted by largest difference
Assisting and Caring for Others
Therapy and Counseling
Control Precision
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
Economics and Accounting
Administration and Management
Psychology
Processing Information
MathematicsAI-Vulnerable
Sociology and Anthropology
Physics
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Protective Factors
Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement
Optometrists
35%
total discount
Physician Assistants
37%
total discount
Task Risk Comparison
Tasks sorted by AI automation risk — higher means more automatable
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.
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
Physician Assistants earns -$1,570(-1%) vs Optometrists
OptometristsPhysician Assistants
10th
$70,060$95,240
25th
$103,310$113,770
Median
$134,830$133,260
75th
$163,710$160,160
90th
$203,210$182,200
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Head-to-head task automation timeline
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Career transition paths from each job
Risk-adjusted salary comparison
Combined protective factor strategy
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