Side-by-Side Comparison
Surgeons leads 3–1| Metric | Surgeons | Optometrists |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Score | 17.5% | 21.5% |
| Risk Tier | Low Risk | Low Risk |
| Risk Percentile | 3th | 10th |
| Tasks at Risk (>50%) | 3 / 13 | 1 / 10 |
| Median Salary | N/A | $134,830 |
| Employment | N/A | 42K |
Skill Comparison
|
Sorted by largest difference
Manual DexterityAI-Resistant
Education and Training
Assisting and Caring for Others
English Language
Controlling Machines and Processes
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
MonitoringAI-Augmented
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Augmented
Medicine and Dentistry
Thinking Creatively
InstructingAI-Resistant
Performing General Physical Activities
Protective Factors
Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement
Surgeons
41%
total discount
Optometrists
35%
total discount
Task Risk Comparison
Tasks sorted by AI automation risk — higher means more automatable
Surgeons
3 of 13 at risk86%Manage surgery services, including planning, scheduling and coordination, determination of procedures, or procurement of supplies and equipment.
73%Prepare case histories.
51%Conduct research to develop and test surgical techniques that can improve operating procedures and outcomes.
49%Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioners when necessary.
49%Examine instruments, equipment, and operating room to ensure sterility.
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
SurgeonsOptometrists
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
Surgeons2028–2035
Optometrists2028–2035
20242030203520402045
Surgeons has a longer runway before significant displacement, projected 0 years later than Optometrists.
Transition Feasibility
1%
Skill Overlap
Low overlap — significant retraining needed for transition
0
Unique to Surgeons
0
Unique to Optometrists
Combined Protection Strategy
Regardless of which path you choose, focus on these protective factors
Fine Manipulation
Creativity
Decision Complexity
Regulatory Barriers
SurgeonsOptometrists