SOC 51-9083
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ58/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ18,740
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$38K
$31K โ $55K
Projected Growth
๐+2.3%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค10/100
Low exposure
๐ก Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians face a risk score of 58/100 โ 14 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $38K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 58/100, Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 18,740 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in handling non-standard materials and configurations and setup and calibration of custom production runs to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Mount and secure lens blanks or optical lenses in holding tools or chucks of cutting, polishing, grinding, or coating machines.
Inspect lens blanks to detect flaws, verify smoothness of surface, and ensure thickness of coating on lenses.
Set up machines to polish, bevel, edge, or grind lenses, flats, blanks, or other precision optical elements.
Inspect, weigh, and measure mounted or unmounted lenses after completion to verify alignment and conformance to specifications, using precision instruments.
Shape lenses appropriately so that they can be inserted into frames.
๐ป Technology Skills
Medical software
Computer aided design CAD software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Electronic mail software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
Mechanical
Mathematics
Customer and Personal Service
Administration and Management
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 61% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 51% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 80% |