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Artificial Intelligence in Health Perspective on AI in eye care practices

Moreover, several studies have highlighted the significant Furthermore, health-care professionals, including
advancements in eye care practices through the integration ophthalmologists, have expressed concerns regarding
of AI technology. 17-19,34 patient privacy and care quality on AI integration. 43,44
This systematic review revealed that eye care professionals Patient well-being and privacy stand as crucial pillars in
have typically demonstrated favorable enthusiasm and healthcare, 59,60 and it is generally believed that human
openness toward the integration of AI technology into their involvement in health-care delivery surpasses AI due
clinical practices, considering the remarkable progress AI has to factors such as confidentiality, empathy, adaptability,
made in the field of ophthalmology and optometry. 39,40,44,45 and experiences only inherent in human health
61,62
The gradual acceptance of AI technology among eye care professionals. These aspects collectively influence the
professionals suggests that AI technology could potentially willingness of health-care practitioners to fully embrace AI
63-67
establish itself as a fundamental component within eye care in patient care.
practices. Therefore, the opinions of clinicians, as elucidated Nonetheless, the generally positive viewpoints expressed
in this review, are imperative for maximizing the clinical by eye care professionals toward adopting AI highlight
utility of AI and ensuring its successful implementation into the necessity for targeted interventions to effectively
routine eye care practice. address the challenges associated with implementing
AI in eye care. To facilitate this, it is crucial to consider
Nonetheless, significant concerns were also raised
among eye care professionals regarding AI applications. initiatives, such as increased funding specifically allocated
Some professionals indicated the potential inaccuracy for AI advancements in eye care. This funding would
and reliability issues of AI technology in diagnosing eye support research, development, and implementation of AI
conditions within the clinical setting. 38,42 These concerns technologies tailored to the needs of the eye care sector.
raised are valid as precise medical diagnoses are crucial for Moreover, it is important to also emphasize the pivotal role
implementing the right treatment procedures and ensuring of AI in improving eye care outcomes through education
patient safety in any medical practice. 55,56 This negative and training programs designed for eye care professionals.
viewpoint sheds light on the diverse perspectives and By imparting knowledge about AI technology, its benefits,
preferences of eye care professionals toward implementing and its potential impact on eye care, professionals can
AI technology in their daily eye care practices, essentially develop a deeper understanding of how to integrate these
enabling us to identify the gaps in implementing AI in eye technologies into their practice. The training programs
care practices. should also address concerns surrounding the accuracy of
AI diagnoses and their effect on patient care. Furthermore,
The cost of implementing AI technology is another it is beneficial to foster an environment that encourages
significant concern among eye care professionals. Despite the adoption of AI technology while actively addressing
their willingness to embrace AI in eye care, the financial apprehensions and doubts within the eye care community.
limitations in accessing this technology were noted by the This could be achieved by establishing channels for open
eye care professionals. A study investigated the cost of communication, information exchange, and collaborations
41
AI implementation and emphasized that the practitioners between researchers, technologists, and eye care specialists
would have to evaluate whether the benefits would to overcome current limitations and realize the full
outweigh the cost of AI implementation. This highlights potential of AI in the field of eye care.
57
the business aspect of clinical practice, where stakeholders
typically strive to balance the cost of production and 5. Conclusion
service delivery with profit. 58 This systematic review demonstrated the generally positive
Another notable concern was the potential replacement perception of most eye care professionals regarding the
of eye care professionals by AI technology. 39,44 A survey implementation of AI technology in eye care practices.
among ophthalmologists revealed that most of them However, there were several key concerns raised, such
were not worried about their roles being replaced, but as the high costs associated with implementing AI,
they did acknowledge the likelihood of certain primary the uncertain reliability of AI in performing diagnoses
eye care jobs and responsibilities being partially taken and making clinical decisions, and the fear of AI
over by AI. The study by Valikodath et al. indicated potentially replacing eye care professionals. Overall, this
44
17
that AI is more of an assisting tool rather than a complete study highlighted the importance of optometrists and
replacement. However, AI is increasingly integrated into ophthalmologists embracing technological advancements
various aspects of life in the present day, thereby justifying such as AI, emphasizing the necessity of addressing the
the apprehension of AI technology potentially replacing expressed concerns to ensure a harmonious integration of
primary eye care professionals. AI technology into eye care.

Volume 1 Issue 2 (2024) 71 doi: 10.36922/aih.2809