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
Premium Head-to-Head Analysis
Displacement Timeline Comparison
Optometrists2028–2035
Physician Assistants2028–2035
20242030203520402045
Optometrists has a longer runway before significant displacement, projected 0 years later than Physician Assistants.
Risk-Adjusted Salary
Salary weighted by displacement risk: salary × (1 − risk%)
Optometrists
$105,909
from $134,830
Physician Assistants
$96,147
from $133,260
After adjusting for AI risk, Optometrists offers $9,762 more in risk-adjusted pay.
Transition Feasibility
1%
Skill Overlap
Low overlap — significant retraining needed for transition
0
Unique to Optometrists
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
OptometristsPhysician Assistants