Ophthalmologists, except pediatric
SOC Code: 29-1241
Ophthalmologists, except pediatric carries a 28% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk) and +4.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 12,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Ophthalmologists, except pediatric (SOC 29-1241) carries an AI exposure score of 28%, 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 12,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.3% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, 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 Ophthalmologists, except pediatric. Public companies with meaningful exposure to this occupation, such as HCA Healthcare, Inc. and Natera, Inc., inherit a share of the same automation risk through their industry classification. 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. Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.
- 2. Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.
- 3. Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.
- 4. Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.
- 5. Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.
- 6. Develop treatment plans based on patients' histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.
- 7. Perform ophthalmic surgeries such as cataract, glaucoma, refractive, corneal, vitro-retinal, eye muscle, or oculoplastic surgeries.
- 8. Educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision.
- 9. Document or evaluate patients' medical histories.
- 10. Perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Social Perceptiveness
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Biology
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Psychology
- Economics and Accounting
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Ophthalmologists, except pediatric?
Ophthalmologists, except pediatric has an AI exposure score of 28%, 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 Ophthalmologists, except pediatric?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Ophthalmologists, except pediatric is projected to grow by 4.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 12,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Ophthalmologists, except pediatric?
Key skills for Ophthalmologists, except pediatric include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Ophthalmologists, except pediatric earn?
Wage data for Ophthalmologists, except pediatric varies by region, experience, and employer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes median wage estimates in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Ophthalmologists, except pediatric?
The typical entry-level education for Ophthalmologists, except pediatric is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Internship/residency. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Ophthalmologists, except pediatric?
Public companies with significant Ophthalmologists, except pediatric workforce shares include HCA Healthcare, Inc., Natera, Inc., LABCORP HOLDINGS INC., among others. These employers are mapped by industry classification (SIC/NAICS) to BLS occupation-industry employment distributions. See the full employer rankings for AI displacement risk grades.
Employers with High AI Exposure in This Occupation Group
Public companies whose industry occupation mix includes a significant share of Ophthalmologists, except pediatric roles.
| Company | AI Grade | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|
| HCA Healthcare, Inc. | B | 39.2% |
| Natera, Inc. | B | 39.2% |
| LABCORP HOLDINGS INC. | B | 39.2% |
| QUEST DIAGNOSTICS INC | B | 39.2% |
| EXACT SCIENCES CORP | B | 39.2% |
| TENET HEALTHCARE CORP | B | 39.2% |
| Fresenius Medical Care AG | B | 39.2% |
| ENSIGN GROUP, INC | B | 39.2% |
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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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).