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How an ophthalmologist can use AI, task by task

O*NET 29-1241.00: Ophthalmologists, Except PediatricMedian pay $300,080/year (BLS, May 2025)18 tasksJob Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Diagnose and perform surgery to treat and help prevent disorders and diseases of the eye. May also provide vision services for treatment including glasses and contacts.

Your job title Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Clinical Ophthalmologist, Cornea Specialist, Glaucoma Specialist, Oculoplastic Specialist, Ophthalmic Surgeon, Ophthalmologist, Ophthalmologist Specialist, Physician, Retina Specialist, Surgical Ophthalmologist.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 0%AI-assist 10%Stays human 90%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 0 AI-ready, 3 AI-assist and 15 human-led tasks out of 18. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork

Thinking & planning

People & communication

Leading & teaching

Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

Document or evaluate patients' medical histories.Write it up · Hourly or more
Instruct interns, residents, or others in ophthalmologic procedures and techniques.Train & teach · Monthly
Conduct clinical or laboratory-based research in ophthalmology.Look into it · A few times a year

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.Hands-on care · Hourly or more
Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.Make the call · Several times a day
Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.Hands-on care · Several times a day

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 0

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

None of this job's tasks are here.

AI can help you prep these 3

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Document or evaluate patients' medical histories.

Hourly or more

AI drafts the structure and wording; the specifics and sign-off are yours.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft the structure and standard wording. The specifics, the judgment calls and the sign-off are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to document or evaluate patients' medical histories.

Context: We use eClinicalWorks EHR software and Epic Systems.
Specialty: [chiropractic, dental, general]
What to capture: [conditions, meds, allergies, history]

Draft a medical history template with prompts. No patient data. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: History-taking template

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you document or evaluate patients' medical histories (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Specialty] and [What to capture] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Record patient medical histories..

Instruct interns, residents, or others in ophthalmologic procedures and techniques.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to instruct interns, residents, or others in ophthalmologic procedures and techniques.

Context: We use eClinicalWorks EHR software and Epic Systems; the work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Technique: [procedure]
Learners: [providers, assistants]

Plan teaching with demonstration and supervised practice. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Teach clinical techniques

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you instruct interns, residents and others. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Technique] and [Learners] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Train medical providers..

Conduct clinical or laboratory-based research in ophthalmology.

A few times a year

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to conduct clinical or laboratory-based research in ophthalmology.

Context: We use Ophthalmic imaging software and eClinicalWorks EHR software; the work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Topic: [condition, treatment, question]
My goal: [study design, teaching, clinical update]

Summarize current evidence, key trials, open questions, and search terms for PubMed. Mark anything uncertain. I will verify every source.

10-minute exercise: Medical research brief

Step 1Pick a topic you need to get current on.

Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [My goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Look up the key trials it names. Don't use any you can't find.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 2.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues..

These stay human 15

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: every day · Contact with others: constant contact with others · Frequency of decisions: every day · Impact of decisions: very important results

Perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.

Hourly or more

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can help around the care: plain-language explanations for patients, study and revision, checklists and paperwork drafts. Use only tools your employer has approved for health information.

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system to determine the nature or extent of ocular disorders.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Exam or test: [type]
Patient group: [describe]

Write a plain-language explanation, what patients will feel, and aftercare. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Eye exam explanation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform comprehensive examinations of the visual system (today).

Step 2Fill in [Exam or test] and [Patient group] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Test patient vision..

Develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.

Several times a day

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to develop or implement plans and procedures for ophthalmologic services.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Situation: [condition or project, no names]
Options: [list]

Compare options and risks; list information needed. I decide. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

10-minute exercise: Plan options review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop or implement plans and procedures.

Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Make the call yourself, then note whether anything it raised changed your mind.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop medical treatment plans..

Diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to diagnose or treat injuries, disorders, or diseases of the eye and eye structures including the cornea, sclera, conjunctiva, or eyelids.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Condition: [describe]
Goals: [management]

Prepare patient education and follow-up plan. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Chronic condition support

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you diagnose or treat injuries, disorders and diseases of the eye.

Step 2Fill in [Condition] and [Goals] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Treat chronic diseases or disorders.. Also involves: Diagnose medical conditions..

Educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision.

Hourly or more

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Topic: [nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress]
Who: [patient, participant; no personal details]

Help me prepare: the 3 points that matter most for them, plain-language wording, the questions they're likely to ask, and what I should not advise on without more information. Then play them so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Wellness advice conversation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you educate patients about maintenance and promotion of healthy vision (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Check advice against current guidelines and stay within your scope.

📊 People already use AI around this task (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026). The task itself stays human-led.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Provide health and wellness advice to patients, program participants, or caregivers..

Develop treatment plans based on patients' histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.

Several times a day

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to develop treatment plans based on patients' histories and goals, the nature and severity of disorders, and treatment risks and benefits.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Situation: [condition or project, no names]
Options: [list]

Compare options and risks; list information needed. I decide. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

10-minute exercise: Plan options review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop treatment plans based. Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Make the call yourself, then note whether anything it raised changed your mind.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Develop medical treatment plans..

Prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications to treat ophthalmic conditions and to manage pain.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Routes: [oral, injection, other]
Setting: [describe]

Summarize safety checks and documentation. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Medication route refresher

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prescribe or administer topical or systemic medications.

Step 2Fill in [Routes] and [Setting] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Compare it line by line with your protocol. Your protocol always wins.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Administer non-intravenous medications.. Also involves: Prescribe medications..

Perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.

Several times a day

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Presentation: [general, no patient details]
Question: [what to rule in or out]

List tests that could help, what each tells you, and costs or risks. I decide. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

10-minute exercise: Test ordering prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform, order, or interpret the results of diagnostic or clinical tests.

Step 2Fill in [Presentation] and [Question] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Make the call yourself, then note whether anything it raised changed your mind.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Order medical diagnostic or clinical tests.. Also involves: Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment..

Provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.

Several times a day

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Procedure: [type]
Recovery period: [timing]

List complications to watch for, when to escalate, and plain-language aftercare instructions for patients. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Post-procedure watch list

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide or direct the provision of postoperative care.

Step 2Fill in [Procedure] and [Recovery period] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Use the aftercare wording with your next patient.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor patients following surgeries or other treatments..

Provide ophthalmic consultation to other medical professionals.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to provide ophthalmic consultation to other medical professionals.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Question: [discharge, communication, specialty topic]
Who: [clinicians, educators]

Help me prepare: the 3 points that matter most for them, plain-language wording, the questions they're likely to ask, and what I should not advise on without more information. Then play them so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Clinical consultation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide ophthalmic consultation (today).

Step 2Fill in [Question] and [Who] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Advise medical personnel regarding healthcare issues..

Prescribe corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses.

Several times a day

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to prescribe corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Need: [mobility, orthotic]
Options: [devices]

Compare options and criteria. I decide. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

10-minute exercise: Device prescription prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prescribe corrective lenses.

Step 2Fill in [Need] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Make the call yourself, then note whether anything it raised changed your mind.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prescribe assistive medical devices or related treatments..

Prescribe ophthalmologic treatments or therapies such as chemotherapy, cryotherapy, or low vision therapy.

Daily

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to prescribe ophthalmologic treatments or therapies such as chemotherapy, cryotherapy, or low vision therapy.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Condition: [general, no patient details]
Options: [list]

Compare options and evidence. I prescribe. Argue the strongest case against my current view and list what extra information would change the decision. I make the final call.

10-minute exercise: Treatment prescription prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prescribe ophthalmologic treatments or therapies (today).

Step 2Fill in [Condition] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Make the call yourself, then note whether anything it raised changed your mind.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prescribe treatments or therapies..

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of health professionals to provide optimal patient care.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of health professionals to provide optimal patient care.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Case: [general, no identifiers]
Question: [what you need from colleagues]

Prepare a summary, the question and options. Then play the colleague. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Interdisciplinary consult prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of health professionals (today). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Case] and [Question] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment..

Refer patients for more specialized treatments when conditions exceed the experience, expertise, or scope of practice of practitioner.

Weekly

Your accountable call. Use AI as a sounding board beforehand.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI as a sounding board before you decide. Ask it to argue the other side, list what you might be overlooking, or organize the evidence.

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to refer patients for more specialized treatments when conditions exceed the experience, expertise, or scope of practice of practitioner.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Situation: [general, no patient details]
Options: [specialists, services]

List red flags and criteria for referral, and what to include in the referral. I decide.

10-minute exercise: Referral decision prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you refer patients (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.

Step 2Fill in [Situation] and [Options] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Make the call yourself, then note whether anything it raised changed your mind.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources..

Perform ophthalmic surgeries such as cataract, glaucoma, refractive, corneal, vitro-retinal, eye muscle, or oculoplastic surgeries.

Weekly

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to perform ophthalmic surgeries such as cataract, glaucoma, refractive, corneal, vitro-retinal, eye muscle, or oculoplastic surgeries.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Procedure: [type]
Key steps: [describe]

Summarize as study notes with risks and patient education points. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Surgical case prep notes

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform ophthalmic surgeries (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Procedure] and [Key steps] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Your training and guidelines are the authority.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate on patients to treat conditions..

Perform laser surgeries to alter, remove, reshape, or replace ocular tissue.

Weekly

Hands-on care. AI only helps with prep, explanations and paperwork.

Show prep prompt & steps

Prep prompt

I work as an ophthalmologist. Part of my job is to perform laser surgeries to alter, remove, reshape, or replace ocular tissue.

Context: The work draws on medicine and dentistry, biology and psychology.
Procedure: [type]
Key steps: [describe]

Summarize as study notes with risks and patient education points. Keep it free of any patient details, add plain-language wording I can use with people, and list the warning signs that mean I should escalate.

10-minute exercise: Surgical case prep notes

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform laser surgeries (this week).

Step 2Fill in [Procedure] and [Key steps] with the real details, then run the prompt.

Step 3Your training and guidelines are the authority.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate on patients to treat conditions..

Get the full prompt pack for Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

Monitoringimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Assisting and Caring for Others
Critical Thinkingimportance 4.2/5
Used in: Monitoring and Controlling Resources
Active Listeningimportance 4.1/5
Used in: Assisting and Caring for Others
Speakingimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Assisting and Caring for Others

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

Active Learningimportance 4.0/5
Used in: Training and Teaching Others
Learning Strategiesimportance 3.4/5
Used in: Training and Teaching Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Obstetricians and Gynecologists85% human-led · Same preparation · $292,910/yr · usually post-doctoral training
Skills to build: Science
Emergency Medicine Physicians81% human-led · Same preparation · $335,550/yr · usually post-doctoral training
Skills to build: Social Perceptiveness, Systems Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making

Getting into this job

Post-doctoral training is most common (42% of workers)

Certificate or some college 10%
Bachelor's 14%
Graduate degree 76%

On-the-job training: 3–6 months
Related experience: 4–6 years
Professional certification: important (4.7/5)

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values). Some of these estimates are lower precision.

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

eClinicalWorks EHR softwareEpic SystemsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Word