Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 159 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
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 least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 17% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Inspect lens blanks to detect flaws, verify smoothness of surface, and ensure thickness of coating on lenses.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Inspect, weigh, and measure mounted or unmounted lenses after completion to verify alignment and conformance to specifications, using precision instruments.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Examine prescriptions, work orders, or broken or used eyeglasses to determine specifications for lenses, contact lenses, or other optical elements.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Mount and secure lens blanks or optical lenses in holding tools or chucks of cutting, polishing, grinding, or coating machines.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Set up machines to polish, bevel, edge, or grind lenses, flats, blanks, or other precision optical elements.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Shape lenses appropriately so that they can be inserted into frames.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Clean finished lenses and eyeglasses, using cloths and solvents.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Mount, secure, and align finished lenses in frames or optical assemblies, using precision hand tools.
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
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
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What the move takes
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Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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New skills to build
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What the move takes
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Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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New skills to build
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What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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New skills to build
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What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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New skills to build
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What the move takes
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Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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New skills to build
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What the move takes
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Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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New skills to build
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What the move takes
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Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
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