Ophthalmic Medical Technologists

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
O*NET-SOC code
29-2099.05

Assist ophthalmologists by performing ophthalmic clinical functions and ophthalmic photography. Provide instruction and supervision to other ophthalmic personnel. Assist with minor surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques and preparing instruments. May perform eye exams, administer eye medications, and instruct patients in care and use of corrective lenses.

  • Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08

    High· relative

    LowFour relative bandsVery high

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)

    831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band

    Source dataset (XLSX download)

  • Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03

    0.045

    0.000Range of values carried here0.745

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Mapped onto O*NET tasks

    Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value

    Source dataset (CSV download)

  • Data source: ILOPublished: 2025

    0.30

    0.09Range of values carried here0.70

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published

    Source dataset (PDF download)

What kind of figure this source publishes

The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.

Task-level exposure

31 rated tasks · 22 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (71.0%)

β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.

  • Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
  • All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
Source
OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
Release
gh-main-0471612
License
MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
Task (O*NET 30.2)Claude.aiRaw / share %APIRaw / share %
Calculate corrections for refractive errors.

29-2099.05

0.00000.00.00000.0
Not observed on any surface — 30 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states.
Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
—0—0
Assess abnormalities of color vision, such as amblyopia.
—0—0
Assess refractive condition of eyes, using retinoscope.
—0—0
Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
—0—0
Collect ophthalmic measurements or other diagnostic information, using ultrasound equipment, such as A-scan ultrasound biometry or B-scan ultrasonography equipment.
—0—0
Conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.
—0—0
Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.
—0—0
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.
—0—0
Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
—0—0
Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.
—0—0
Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.
—0—0
Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
—0—0
Measure corneal thickness, using pachymeter or contact ultrasound methods.
—0—0
Measure the thickness of the retinal nerve, using scanning laser polarimetry techniques to aid in diagnosis of glaucoma.
—0—0
Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.
—0—0
Perform advanced ophthalmic procedures, including electrophysiological, electrophysical, or microbial procedures.
—0—0
Perform fluorescein angiography of the eye.
—0—0
Photograph patients' eye areas, using clinical photography techniques, to document retinal or corneal defects.
—0—0
Supervise or instruct ophthalmic staff.
—0—0
Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements, such as axial length measurements, of the eye or surrounding tissue.
—0—0
Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.
—0—0
Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
—0—0
Conduct low vision blindness tests.
—0—0
Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.
—0—0
Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.
—0—0
Take and document patients' medical histories.
—0—0
Perform ophthalmic triage, in the office or by phone, to assess severity of patients' conditions.
—0—0
Educate patients on ophthalmic medical procedures, conditions of the eye, and appropriate use of medications.
—0—0
Create three-dimensional images of the eye, using computed tomography (CT).
—0—0
Perform slit lamp biomicroscopy procedures to diagnose disorders of the eye, such as retinitis, presbyopia, cataracts, or retinal detachment.
—0—0

Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page

All O*NET 31.0 task statements (31)

All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.

Task (O*NET 31.0)Type
Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.Core
Assess abnormalities of color vision, such as amblyopia.Core
Assess refractive condition of eyes, using retinoscope.Core
Assist physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.Core
Calculate corrections for refractive errors.Core
Collect ophthalmic measurements or other diagnostic information, using ultrasound equipment, such as A-scan ultrasound biometry or B-scan ultrasonography equipment.Core
Conduct binocular disparity tests to assess depth perception.Core
Conduct ocular motility tests to measure function of eye muscles.Core
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.Core
Conduct tonometry or tonography tests to measure intraocular pressure.Core
Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.Core
Measure and record lens power, using lensometers.Core
Measure corneal curvature with keratometers or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.Core
Measure corneal thickness, using pachymeter or contact ultrasound methods.Core
Measure the thickness of the retinal nerve, using scanning laser polarimetry techniques to aid in diagnosis of glaucoma.Core
Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using appropriate tests.Core
Perform advanced ophthalmic procedures, including electrophysiological, electrophysical, or microbial procedures.Core
Perform fluorescein angiography of the eye.Core
Photograph patients' eye areas, using clinical photography techniques, to document retinal or corneal defects.Core
Supervise or instruct ophthalmic staff.Core
Take anatomical or functional ocular measurements, such as axial length measurements, of the eye or surrounding tissue.Core
Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.Core
Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.Core
Conduct low vision blindness tests.Core
Instruct patients in the care and use of contact lenses.Core
Maintain ophthalmic instruments or equipment.Core
Take and document patients' medical histories.Core
Perform ophthalmic triage, in the office or by phone, to assess severity of patients' conditions.Core
Educate patients on ophthalmic medical procedures, conditions of the eye, and appropriate use of medications.Core
Create three-dimensional images of the eye, using computed tomography (CT).Supplemental
Perform slit lamp biomicroscopy procedures to diagnose disorders of the eye, such as retinitis, presbyopia, cataracts, or retinal detachment.Supplemental

Occupation information

Employment outlook (BLS)

Values for the whole SOC 29-2099 group (Health technologists and technicians, all other), not for this O*NET occupation alone.

Employment, 2025
186K
Projected employment, 2035
196K
Change (2025–35)
+5.9%
Median annual wage, 2025
$50,290
Typical education needed for entry
Postsecondary nondegree award
lowest $30,890median wage across 825 detailed occupations, BLS EP 2025–35highest $559,030

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — Employment by detailed occupation, 2025 and projected 2035

Korea classification links (KSCO)

Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.

KSCO codeKSCO titleRelationStatus
24699그 외 치료‧재활사 및 의료기사Related, not a matchconfirmed

Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)

ILO occupational description

AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.

  • ISCO-08 3259Health Associate Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified

The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.

This unit group covers health associate professionals not classified elsewhere in Sub-major Group 32: Health Associate Professionals. For instance, the group includes occupations such as HIV counsellor, family planning counsellor and other health associate professionals.

Tasks

  • In such cases tasks would include:
  • (a) interviewing and examining patients to obtain information on their health status and the nature and extent of injury, illness or other physical or mental health condition;
  • (b) providing information and counselling to patients and families about certain health conditions, prevention and treatment options, treatment adherence, and personal behaviours that can affect health outcomes;
  • (c) administering therapeutic care and treatment to patients;
  • (d ) performing certain basic clinical procedures, such as administration of HIV antibody tests or insertion of intrauterine devices;
  • (e) dispensing and advising on dietary supplements, antiretroviral and prophylaxis medications, and other healthcare products
  • (f) monitoring patients' progress through treatment plans, and identifying signs and symptoms requiring referral to a medical doctor or other health professional;
  • (g) recording information on patients' health status and responses to treatment in medical records-keeping systems;
  • (h) sharing information with other health care providers when required to ensure continuing and comprehensive care.

Example occupations

Anaesthesia technician · Family planning counsellor · HIV counsellor · Respiratory therapy technician

Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits

ESCO occupational vocabulary

Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.

  • optometristESCO 2267.1Overlapping, not the same

    Optometrists examine and test eyes to identify abnormalities, visual problems, or disease. They prescribe and fit lenses such as spectacles and contacts, and offer advice on visual problems. They may also refer patients to a medical practitioner. Their scope of practice and title varies according to national regulations.

Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)

License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)

View original

ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.

France classification links (ROME)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.

ROME codeROME title (French)Relation
J1407OrthoptisteOverlapping, not the sameprovisional
J1405Opticien / OpticienneRelated, not a matchprovisional

Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.

ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)

Spain classification links (CNO-11)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

CNO-11 codeCNO-11 title (Spanish)Relation
2155Ópticos-optometristasRelated, not a match

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)

Germany classification links (KldB)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

KldB codeKldB title (German)Relation
81132Orthoptisten/Orthoptistinnen - fachlich ausgerichtete TätigkeitenOverlapping, not the sameprovisional
81102Medizinische Fachangestellte (ohne Spezialisierung) - fachlich ausgerichtete TätigkeitenRelated, not a matchprovisional

Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)

Japan classification links (JSCO)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

JSCO codeJSCO title (Japanese)Relation
145視能訓練士，言語聴覚士This occupation is narrower

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)

Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources