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. 2022;15 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S91-S97.
doi: 10.1016/j.optom.2022.06.006. Epub 2022 Sep 20.

Optometrist's perspectives of Artificial Intelligence in eye care

Angelica C Scanzera  1 , Ellen Shorter  2 , Charles Kinnaird  2 , Nita Valikodath  2 , Tala Al-Khaled  2 , Emily Cole  2 , Sasha Kravets  2 , Joelle A Hallak  2 , Timothy McMahon  2 , R V Paul Chan  2
Affiliations

Optometrist's perspectives of Artificial Intelligence in eye care

Angelica C Scanzera et al. J Optom. 2022.

Abstract

Purpose: The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing and managing ocular disease has gained popularity as research highlights the utilization of AI to improve personalized medicine and healthcare outcomes. The objective of this study is to describe current optometric perspectives of AI in eye care.

Methods: Members of the American Academy of Optometry were sent an electronic invitation to complete a 17-item survey. Survey items assessed perceived advantages and concerns regarding AI using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree."

Results: A total of 400 optometrists completed the survey. The mean number of years since optometry school completion was 25 ± 15.1. Most respondents reported familiarity with AI (66.8%). Though half of optometrists had concerns about the diagnostic accuracy of AI (53.0%), most believed it would improve the practice of optometry (72.0%). Optometrists reported their willingness to incorporate AI into practice increased from 53.3% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 65.5% after onset of the pandemic (p<0.001).

Conclusion: In this study, optometrists are optimistic about the use of AI in eye care, and willingness to incorporate AI in clinical practice also increased after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Imaging; Ophthalmology; Optometry.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest Dr. R.V. Paul Chan discloses the following 1) Alcon; 2) Novartis; 3) Phoenix (Unpaid SAB). The following authors have no financial disclosures: Angelica C. Scanzera, Ellen Shorter, Charles Kinnaird, Nita Valikodath, Tala Al-KhaledEmily Cole, Sasha Kravets, Joelle A. Hallak, Timothy McMahon. All authors attest that they meet the current ICMJE criteria for authorship.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Distribution of optometrist's attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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