Optometrists
The short answer
Parts of this job are expected to change. AI can already assist with some of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 156 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth for how much AI could touch it—right around the middle.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 60% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
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.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
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Skills you already have
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New skills to build
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Skills you already have
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Your current skills largely cover this move.
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Getting ready typically takes more than four years.
Skills you already have
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New skills to build
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