Optometrists
SOC Code: 29-1041
Optometrists carries a 24% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $134,830 and +8.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 47,800 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
Optometrists (SOC 29-1041) carries an AI exposure score of 24%, 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 47,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +8.0% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $134,830, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. 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 Optometrists. 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. 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.
- 2. Analyze test results and develop a treatment plan.
- 3. Prescribe, supply, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision aids.
- 4. Prescribe medications to treat eye diseases if state laws permit.
- 5. Educate and counsel patients on contact lens care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, and safety factors.
- 6. Remove foreign bodies from the eye.
- 7. Provide patients undergoing eye surgeries, such as cataract and laser vision correction, with pre- and post-operative care.
- 8. Consult with and refer patients to ophthalmologist or other health care practitioner if additional medical treatment is determined necessary.
- 9. Prescribe therapeutic procedures to correct or conserve vision.
- 10. Provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Science
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
Knowledge Areas
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Therapy and Counseling
- Psychology
- Administration and Management
- Economics and Accounting
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Optometrists?
Optometrists has an AI exposure score of 24%, 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 Optometrists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Optometrists is projected to grow by 8.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 47,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Optometrists?
Key skills for Optometrists include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Optometrists earn?
The median annual wage for Optometrists is $134,830, 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 Optometrists?
The typical entry-level education for Optometrists is Doctoral or professional degree. 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 Optometrists?
Optometrists 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.
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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).