Will Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians be replaced by AI & Robots?

Key findings

Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians meticulously cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses and contact lenses with precision tools.

They assemble lenses into frames and ensure quality through monitoring and quality control analysis.

Despite advancements in Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), these tasks require human judgment, critical thinking, and manual dexterity that AI cannot replicate.

While some skills of the job may be automated in the future, the unique nature of the work and the demand for premium optical products will likely shield Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians from major disruption.

The impact of GenAI on this profession may enhance efficiency but is unlikely to transform the role significantly.

How could AI or automation replace or complement job activities?

AI and automation could be utilized to streamline tasks such as inspecting lens blanks for flaws, setting up machines for polishing and grinding lenses, measuring mounted lenses with precision instruments, and aligning finished lenses in frames.

For example, AI could be employed to detect flaws in lens blanks efficiently, saving time and ensuring accuracy in the production process.

Job description

Cuts, grinds, and polishes eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other optical elements. Assembles and mounts lenses into frames or processes optical elements. Uses precision tools like lens polishers, grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.