Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (17%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 15 (83%)

• Inspect lens blanks to detect flaws, verify smoothness of surface, and ensure thickness of coating on lenses.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Inspect, weigh, and measure mounted or unmounted lenses after completion to verify alignment and conformance to specifications, using precision instruments.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Examine prescriptions, work orders, or broken or used eyeglasses to determine specifications for lenses, contact lenses, or other optical elements.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Mount and secure lens blanks or optical lenses in holding tools or chucks of cutting, polishing, grinding, or coating machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set up machines to polish, bevel, edge, or grind lenses, flats, blanks, or other precision optical elements.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Shape lenses appropriately so that they can be inserted into frames.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean finished lenses and eyeglasses, using cloths and solvents.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Mount, secure, and align finished lenses in frames or optical assemblies, using precision hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Adjust lenses and frames to correct alignment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Select lens blanks, molds, tools, and polishing or grinding wheels, according to production specifications.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Position and adjust cutting tools to specified curvature, dimensions, and depth of cut.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assemble eyeglass frames and attach shields, nose pads, and temple pieces, using pliers, screwdrivers, and drills.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set dials and start machines to polish lenses or hold lenses against rotating wheels to polish them manually.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Repair broken parts, using precision hand tools and soldering irons.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Immerse eyeglass frames in solutions to harden, soften, or dye frames.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Lay out lenses and trace lens outlines on glass, using templates.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Control equipment that coats lenses to alter their reflective qualities.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Remove lenses from molds and separate lenses in containers for further processing or storage.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task