Three industry thought leaders recently shared their insights about artificial intelligence (AI) in the March EB feature, “AI’s Impact + Influence.”

We didn’t have space to include all of their thoughts—but to ensure that you you don’t miss out on any of their insights, below is further intel from their interviews with EB. 

RONALD BENNER, O.D., PRESIDENT OF THE  AMERICAN OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION

Used appropriately, AI may be a boon to medicine in general and optometry specifically.

AI has been instrumental in correlating a patient’s hereditary genetic markers (genotype) along with their lifestyle/environment and observable traits (phenotype) utilizing evidence-based algorithms. For example, [age-related macular degeneration] is the leading cause of vision loss in those aged 50 and older and has a high genetic risk correlation of over 70%. Environmental risk factors include smoking, obesity, and UV light exposure.

By correlating all this information, AI algorithms have improved the accuracy of identifying patients at risk and aids allowing the eyecare provider to formulate timely, customized treatment plans to improve long-term outcomes.  

Another example can be found in the great burden that is placed on doctors to write reports to comanaging medical professionals, requiring significant amounts of time. AI can be taught to generate well-written reports at a fraction of the time, that can be easily reviewed—thus increasing our ability to coordinate care and improve patient outcomes. 

It certainly cuts both ways, especially if AI is left unrestricted and unregulated. Ask ChatGPT for a report on dry eye, DR, or any other topic, and you might get what looks to be an authoritative document; up until recently, some AI programs would make up facts and even create good-sounding, but entirely fictitious, references. The doctor’s review/input is critically necessary. 

Supposedly, the AI industry is aware of this and has taken steps to correct this and other "errors," but as doctors, we need to practice our epistemic authority. We are responsible for using our knowledge and long-built judgment to assess information and determine what is valuable and what is inaccurate.  

HOWARD PURCELL, O.D. FAAO, PRESIDENT OF NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRY

PROS

• Access to curated global information on any and all relevant subjects (e.g., anything that was published in the last 10 minutes on a subject relevant to a patient in your chair—Bot Assistant)
  • Enhanced diagnostic accuracy
  • Support patient communication and follow-up
  • Allow clinicians to focus on treatment, empathy, and communication.
  • Algorithms can analyze large amounts of data
  • AI-powered retinal imaging
  • Decrease administrative burden by automating routine tasks and data collection
  • Streamline/optimize workflow
  • Create personalized and dynamic treatment plans 

CONS

• Over-reliance on technology
• Patient trust and privacy concerns
• Lack of ethical and legal standards
• Limited accessibility—not all are likely to benefit creating potential of inequities in care
• Professional development will be required to allow expertise and confidence in utilization.

MUST

• Assure we create regulatory boundaries. 

SPECIFIC TO EDUCATION

AI will have a significant impact on optometric education, transforming various aspects of the learning process.

• Personalized learning plans
• Systems can adapt to individual student needs, analyze performance, identify areas of weakness, and offer targeted resources and practical exercises to enhance understanding (e.g., an AI-based system can analyze students’ responses to practice questions and provide tailored feedback to help enhance diagnostic skills).
• Simulations and virtual reality
• Practice diagnostic and treatment procedures in a safe and controlled environment
• Help with decision-making skills
• Enhance confidence and competence
• Intelligent tutoring systems
• Real-time guidance and support
• AI tutor can assess a student’s understanding of ocular anatomy and provide interactive lessons or visual aids to reinforce concepts.
• Remote learning and telemedicine
• Optometric education can extend beyond the traditional classroom.

JEFF TODD, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF PREVENT BLINDNESS

AI seems to be on everyone’s minds these days, and yet advancing technology is really nothing new to the eye health patient; from retinal imaging to teleoptometry/ophthalmology, eye care has been tapping into new learnings to better serve the patient for a number of years. Particularly important is how AI may be used to break down access barriers.

From a positive perspective, being able to use artificial intelligence to diagnose, for example, retinal disease within the eye of a patient living with diabetes can be transformative. Without AI, they may forgo seeking out a provider to come to such a determination, and thereby risk vision loss that could be detected by earlier treatment.

To begin to address the concerns, just last year, President Biden issued an Executive Order aimed at fostering advances in AI, while simultaneously ensuring they are safe, secure, and trustworthy. From the White House to Congress to statehouses around the country.