Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace optometrists?AI replacement risk 48% and how the work is changing

United States Healthcare Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$136,570
25th–75th pct. $109,400–$165,120
Top pay (est.)
$262,800
Top 10% $202,180
Pay in 5 years
$160,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$188,800est.
$162,300–$219,200
Outlook score
65/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
48%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+9.5%
2,000 openings / yr

Will AI replace Optometrists? AI replacement risk

48%
Moderate
Ranked #493 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Optometrists

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
4.9
Active Listening
4.2
Critical Thinking
4.2
Speaking
4.0
Writing
4.0
Social Perceptiveness
3.9
Complex Problem Solving
3.9
Judgment and Decision Making
3.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry
5.4
Customer and Personal Service
5.1
Biology
5.0
Therapy and Counseling
4.6
Education and Training
4.4
Administrative
4.3
Administration and Management
4.2
Computers and Electronics
4.2

What the work involves

Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationAssisting and Caring for OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsAnalyzing Data or Information

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityInductive ReasoningDeductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionNear Vision

Education of workers

Doctoral degree
95%
Professional degree
5%

Training before entry

None / short demo
38%
Up to 1 month
38%
2–4 years
10%
3–6 months
10%
1–3 months
5%

Related work experience

None
52%
6–12 months
19%
1–2 years
14%
2–4 years
10%
4–6 years
5%

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.