Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

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 (3%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 21 (68%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 9 (29%)

• Take and document patients' medical histories.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements, such as axial length measurements, of the eye or surrounding tissue.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
• Calculate corrections for refractive errors.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Collect ophthalmic measurements or other diagnostic information, using ultrasound equipment, such as A-scan ultrasound biometry or B-scan ultrasonography equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Perform ophthalmic triage, in the office or by phone, to assess severity of patients' conditions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Educate patients on ophthalmic medical procedures, conditions of the eye, and appropriate use of medications.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 condition of eyes, using retinoscope.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
• Measure the thickness of the retinal nerve, using scanning laser polarimetry techniques to aid in diagnosis of glaucoma.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Perform fluorescein angiography of the eye.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Photograph patients' eye areas, using clinical photography techniques, to document retinal or corneal defects.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Conduct tests, such as the Amsler Grid test, to measure central visual field used in the early diagnosis of macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diseases of the eye.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
• Assess abnormalities of color vision, such as amblyopia.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 low vision blindness tests.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Perform slit lamp biomicroscopy procedures to diagnose disorders of the eye, such as retinitis, presbyopia, cataracts, or retinal detachment.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Create three-dimensional images of the eye, using computed tomography (CT).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
• Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Measure corneal thickness, using pachymeter or contact ultrasound methods.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Supervise or instruct ophthalmic staff.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.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
• Perform advanced ophthalmic procedures, including electrophysiological, electrophysical, or microbial procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task