When Will AI Replace Optométriste ?

The impact of AI on optometrists will unfold in waves. By 2028, approximately 35% of tasks will see automation. Junior optometrists in retail settings performing high-volume routine exams are most vulnerable, with potential displacement as early as 2026. AI kiosks could handle 60-70% of standard vision tests in these environments.

The early wave, starting around 2026, will see AI kiosks and automated refraction devices taking over routine prescription calculations and basic screenings in high-volume retail chains like LensCrafters and Walmart Vision. AI-powered retinal imaging systems, such as IDx-DR and Google DeepMind, already demonstrate 90%+ accuracy in diagnosing conditions like diabetic retinopathy.

By 2028, the mid-wave of AI integration will see further automation of diagnostic screenings. While routine vision testing becomes increasingly automated, specialized areas of optometry will remain human-centric. The profession is splitting into commodity vision testing, which is highly automatable, and complex clinical eye care, where human expertise remains essential.

Junior optometrists working in retail chains, particularly those focused on high-volume, routine eye exams, face the most immediate risk of displacement. The automation of basic prescription calculations and standard vision tests by AI kiosks by 2026 directly impacts these roles. Their tasks are becoming commoditized and susceptible to AI takeover.

Specialized optometrists in areas like pediatric eye care, low vision rehabilitation, and complex disease management, as well as independent practice owners, are expected to remain resilient. These roles require nuanced clinical judgment, patient interaction, and complex problem-solving that AI is not yet equipped to replicate. Their expertise ensures job security well beyond 2030.

If you're in a routine retail setting, you have a critical window of 1-3 years to adapt. Focus on developing skills in specialized areas of optometry, such as pediatric care or low vision rehabilitation, to differentiate yourself from automated services. Consider pursuing advanced certifications or graduate studies.

For those in more specialized roles or independent practices, you have a longer runway of 5-7+ years. The key is to embrace the AI tools that enhance clinical practice, like advanced diagnostic imaging systems. Continue to hone your clinical expertise and patient communication skills, as these remain the core value proposition of human optometrists.