Ophthalmologists
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases and injuries of the eyes and related structures.
How AI Impacts Each Task
18 tasks analyzed
Perform ophthalmic surgeries such as cataract, glaucoma, refractive, corneal, vitro-retinal, eye muscle, or oculoplastic surgeries.
Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.
Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
Document or evaluate patients' medical histories.
Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.
Perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.
Develop treatment plans based on patients' histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.
Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
Perform laser surgeries to alter, remove, reshape, or replace ocular tissue.
Provide ophthalmic consultation to other medical professionals.
Educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of health professionals to provide optimal patient care.
Refer patients for more specialized treatments when conditions exceed the experience, expertise, or scope of practice of practitioner.
Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.
Instruct interns, residents, or others in ophthalmologic procedures and techniques.
Prescribe ophthalmologic treatments or therapies such as chemotherapy, cryotherapy, or low vision therapy.
Prescribe corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses.
Conduct clinical or laboratory-based research in ophthalmology.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perform ophthalmic surgeries such as cataract, glaucoma, refractive, corneal, vitro-retinal, eye muscle, or oculoplastic surgeries. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 15% | |
| Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders. | 35Estimated | 41.0% | 15% | |
| Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids. | 52.62Observed | 48.1% | 10% | |
| Document or evaluate patients' medical histories. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 8% | |
| Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care. | 10Estimated | 19.0% | 5% | |
| Perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 8% | |
| Develop treatment plans based on patients' histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits. | 59.1Observed | 50.6% | 5% | |
| Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain. | 62Estimated | 74.0% | 4% | |
| Perform laser surgeries to alter, remove, reshape, or replace ocular tissue. | 0Estimated | 9.0% | 8% | |
| Provide ophthalmic consultation to other medical professionals. | 35Estimated | 29.0% | 3% | |
| Educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision. | 59.5Observed | 38.8% | 4% | |
| Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of health professionals to provide optimal patient care. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 3% | |
| Refer patients for more specialized treatments when conditions exceed the experience, expertise, or scope of practice of practitioner. | 77Estimated | 80.0% | 2% | |
| Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services. | 50Estimated | 47.0% | 2% | |
| Instruct interns, residents, or others in ophthalmologic procedures and techniques. | 15Estimated | 21.0% | 2% | |
| Prescribe ophthalmologic treatments or therapies such as chemotherapy, cryotherapy, or low vision therapy. | 25Estimated | 37.0% | 2% | |
| Prescribe corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 2% | |
| Conduct clinical or laboratory-based research in ophthalmology. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Service Orientation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Related News
Recent articles about AI affecting this occupation

Robotic Cataract Surgeries Signal Automation's Push Into Operating Rooms
Human trials for robotic cataract procedures have officially begun, marking a major milestone in medical automation. While surgeons currently oversee the machines, the successful deployment threatens to eventually commoditize highly specialized surgical skills.
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis