Ophthalmic medical technicians
SOC Code: 29-2057
Ophthalmic medical technicians carries a 34% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $44,080 and +19.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 78,800 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 34% AI exposure, Ophthalmic medical technicians sits 3 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 43% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Ophthalmic medical technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Ophthalmic medical technicians has ai exposure of 34%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Ophthalmic medical technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Ophthalmic medical technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Ophthalmic medical technicians (SOC 29-2057) carries an AI exposure score of 34%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 78,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +19.8% change through 2034 - a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $44,080, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Ophthalmic medical technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Take and document patients' medical histories.
- 2. Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
- 3. Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.
- 4. Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.
- 5. Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
- 6. Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
- 7. Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
- 8. Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.
- 9. Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
- 10. Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Administrative
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Psychology
- Biology
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Ophthalmic medical technicians?
Ophthalmic medical technicians has an AI exposure score of 34%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Ophthalmic medical technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Ophthalmic medical technicians is projected to grow by 19.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 78,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Ophthalmic medical technicians?
Key skills for Ophthalmic medical technicians include Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Ophthalmic medical technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Ophthalmic medical technicians is $44,080, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Ophthalmic medical technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Ophthalmic medical technicians is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Ophthalmic medical technicians?
Ophthalmic medical technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).