US optometrists open to possibilities of AI

Optometrists were optimistic about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in eye care and more willing to incorporate it into clinical practise since the pandemic, according to a new study.

Research published in the Journal of Optometry surveyed 400 members of the American Academy of Optometry, of which 67% were familiar with AI.

The study found optometrists had concerns about the diagnostic accuracy of AI (53%) but 72% believed it would improve the practise of optometry.

Optometrists were more willing to incorporate AI into practise since Covid-19, as the study found a rise from 53% pre-pandemic to 66% after it.