Ophthalmic Medical 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: 1 (5%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 11 (55%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 8 (40%)

• Take and document patients' medical histories.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomographs, or retinoscopes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements of the eye or surrounding tissue, such as axial length measurements.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Assess refractive conditions of eyes, using retinoscopes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Assist patients to select eyewear.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist patients to insert or remove contact lenses.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Adjust or make minor repairs to spectacles or eyeglasses.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task