Page 76 - AIH-1-2

Artificial Intelligence in Health Perspective on AI in eye care practices

Taken together, the study demonstrated the willingness technology, and 91% of them were familiar with the
among eye care professionals to utilize AI to improve concept of AI in eye care, demonstrating the foundational
eye care practices but also reflected concerns on the cost knowledge of AI technology developments among the
of AI implementation, potential job replacements, and surveyed ophthalmologists. The respondents generally
the possible compromise in long-standing professional expressed positive views on the possible advantages of AI
standards. in ophthalmology. Interestingly, 70% of respondents were
confident that AI could improve pediatric ophthalmology
Several studies have explored the possible effects of AI
technology on conventional treatment and doctor-patient practice. Furthermore, 68% of them would be open to
integrating AI into their clinical practices, indicating their
interactions. 47,48 For instance, Al-Khaled et al. assessed readiness to use AI technology for improving patient
42
the opinions of 170 ophthalmologists from the United care and diagnosis. Approximately 65% of them did not
States on incorporating AI into clinical practice. Most of perceive AI as a replacement for physicians but rather as
the respondents indicated that they comprehended the a complementary tool in clinical decision-making. This
prospect of AI technology. However, 22% of respondents perspective aligns with the belief that AI would augment
were concerned about the effect of AI technology on doctor- rather than diminish the role of healthcare professionals in
patient relationships. The thought that AI would replace delivering quality care to patients. Nonetheless, a minority
doctors was disagreed by 64% of respondents, who also of the surveyed group expressed some concerns; 15% of
viewed AI as an assistive technology to ophthalmologists respondents expressed concerns regarding the possibility
instead of their replacement. Approximately 75% of of AI technology replacing medical professionals and
respondents suggested that AI could enhance eye care negatively impacting the workforce of the healthcare
practices in ophthalmology, and 44% of respondents sector; 50,51 26% of respondents were concerned that
expressed their interest in using AI in their daily clinical AI could undermine the doctor-patient relationship.
work. However, 45% of ophthalmologists expressed some These concerns highlight the value of preserving human
concerns about the diagnostic accuracy of AI technology, relationships in healthcare.
implying their reluctance to depend entirely on AI
45
technology for clinical decision-making. Alwadani et al. conducted a survey among 57
ophthalmologists (i.e., consultants, residents, and fellows)
The attitudes and perspectives of early-career and to evaluate their understanding of AI applications in
established clinicians are crucial to the successful ophthalmology. The questionnaire addressed a wide range
integration and adoption of AI in healthcare, as they of topics, such as demographics, ophthalmology-related
are key players in its implementation. Scheetz et al. expertise, and opinions toward AI. Approximately 91.26%
49
43
conducted a survey with fellows and trainees from three of respondents were confident about the critical role of AI
different fields (i.e., ophthalmology, radiology, and in treating a range of eye conditions. They emphasized the
dermatology) in Australia and New Zealand to collect value of AI in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions,
their opinions on AI technology. A total of 632 complete such as glaucoma, strabismus, and cataracts. The findings
responses were obtained, offering valuable insights into the highlighted the respondents’ remarkably high knowledge
general opinions held by doctors about the potential and and favorable opinions about the use of AI in treating
influence of AI technology in their respective disciplines. the aforementioned ocular conditions, implying the
The findings revealed that 71% of respondents expressed significance and advantages of integrating AI education
optimism that AI would improve medicine, and 85.8% of into training programs. Overall, ophthalmologists are
respondents agreed that AI would directly influence the becoming increasingly aware of the use of AI in improving
medical workforce within the next 10 years. AI technology patient care, its therapeutic effectiveness, and diagnostic
was generally perceived to enhance diagnostics and accuracy.
automate routine clinical procedures, thereby improving
the accuracy and efficiency of the clinical sector. However, 4. Discussion
the respondents also expressed several concerns about AI The integration of AI in eye care practices is gradually
implementation, such as the possible transfer of health- becoming more prevalent in certain regions worldwide. 52-54
care duties to tech firms, which could compromise patient This review aimed to evaluate the reception of eye care
privacy, quality of care, and decision-making authority. 43
professionals toward embracing AI technology and
Valikodath et al. assessed the opinions of 80 pediatric acknowledging its pivotal role in eye care practices. The
44
ophthalmologists regarding the use of AI in pediatric utilization of AI technology spans various aspects of eye
ophthalmology. The survey results revealed that the care, such as the diagnosis of eye diseases, ocular image
ophthalmologists had a generally optimistic view of AI analysis, and the management of eye care practices. 16,26,32

Volume 1 Issue 2 (2024) 70 doi: 10.36922/aih.2809