Varun Ranganathan, MCOptom

Clinical Optometrist

An OCULAR Interface Exclusive

Synopsis

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made remarkable strides across various industries, and eye care is no exception. This blog explores the transformative impact of AI on eye care practices, highlighting how advanced technologies are revolutionising patient care, record management and data governance in primary eye care setting.

Keywords: Primary Eye care, Artificial Intelligence, Telemedicine, AI-driven algorithms, Eye care advancements.

“Artificial Intelligence is not a substitute for human intelligence; it is a tool to amplify human creativity and ingenuity” – Fei-Fei Li, Co-Director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence.

Such a powerful quote for an equal, if not, a greater tool humanity has invented.

Introduction

In 80 years, from inventing the first computers in 1950, technology has covered a great distance quickly. Artificial Intelligence has only recently gained attention, which it deserves, but we have been exposed to its wonders as early as inventing computers. We have been in constant link with machines in our daily lives, making mundane tasks easier to accomplish.

The need for achieving more accurate results in less time is greater in healthcare and eye care is an integral part of healthcare. Being regarded as the most important sense organ, our eyes can protect us from danger even if others fail.

Research based on incorporating Artificial Intelligence in eye care started in the 2000s but a significant breakthrough was made in 2016 ¹ where an algorithm was used to diagnose Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) by looking at fundus images. But AI algorithms can be used in various other fronts in eye care practice, which we will now explore further.

Record Keeping and Data Governance

Maintaining accurate and contemporaneous patient records is mandatory in every clinical practice. It can be a laborious task especially if the record is a paper record. Breaking eye contact in such cases is all but impossible to avoid, thus altering a patient’s real and perceived quality of care.² Having an AI scribe to write down clinical findings and management can be immensely useful for the clinician and patient alike.

Data governance involves quality data management and compliance with legal frameworks about data handling. AI-powered data governance can improve the quality of data, automate data compliance, and strengthen data security.³

Operational Efficiency

Delegating automated tasks such as appointment scheduling using AI algorithms can improve the practice’s efficiency and reduce waiting time. AI chatbots can help triage patient’s symptoms as urgent or routine and it can be employed in the practice’s website. The chatbots can also be used to send eye test reminders and general eye health advice.⁴

Telemedicine

Virtual consultation and follow ups can be arranged using AI-driven platforms. This can be useful in managing patients during a global pandemic like COVID-19 and in remote areas. Telemedicine has also been successful in remotely screening patients with DR.⁵

Thoughts for the Future

Although screening and diagnosing eye conditions using AI algorithms is being heavily focused on, advocating other areas offering quality eye care provides a holistic approach, completing a patient’s journey. Primary eye care practices can serve the community well by employing AI and freeing up tertiary eye care hospitals to focus on sight-saving surgeries.

References

1. Gulshan V, Peng L, Coram M, Stumpe MC, Wu D, Narayanaswamy A, Venugopalan S, Widner K, Madams T, Cuadros J, Kim R, Raman R, Nelson PC, Mega JL, Webster DR. Development and Validation of a Deep Learning Algorithm for Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy in Retinal Fundus Photographs. JAMA. 2016 Dec 13;316(22):2402-2410. doi: 10.1001/jama.2016.17216. PMID: 27898976.
2. Tierney AA, Gayre G, Hoberman B, et al. Ambient artificial intelligence scribes to alleviate the burden of clinical documentation. NEJM Catal Innov Care Deliv. 2024;5(3). doi:10.1056/CAT.23.0404.
3. How AI Strengthens Data Governance – Zeenea
4. Altamimi I, Altamimi A, Alhumimidi AS, Altamimi A, Temsah MH. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chatbots in Medicine: A Supplement, Not a Substitute. Cureus. 2023 Jun 25;15(6):e40922. doi: 10.7759/cureus.40922. PMID: 37496532; PMCID: PMC10367431.
5. Chia MA, Turner AW. Benefits of Integrating Telemedicine and Artificial Intelligence Into Outreach Eye Care: Stepwise Approach and Future Directions. Front Med (Lausanne). 2022 Mar 11;9:835804. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.835804. PMID: 35391876; PMCID: PMC8982071.