Optometrists' Perspectives Regarding Artificial Intelligence Aids and Contributing Retinal Images to a Repository:...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Optometry
• Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence

Background:

• A national repository of retinal images is being established in Scotland to aid in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) decision-support algorithms.
• Research highlights the potential of AI in optometry and ophthalmology, yet adoption remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify optometrists' expectations and concerns regarding a national image research repository and AI decision support.
• To gather optometrists' suggestions for enhancing eye healthcare services.
• To understand ophthalmologists' interactions with optometrists.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 23 semi-structured online interviews between March and August 2021.
• Interview duration ranged from 30 to 60 minutes.
• Analyzed transcribed and pseudonymized recordings using thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Optometrists expressed strong support for contributing retinal images to a research repository.
• Key concerns included technical difficulties, standardization issues, and the effort required for data sharing.
• Optometrists anticipate AI will improve collaboration and expand their primary care role in disease diagnosis and management, provided it complements rather than replaces their responsibilities.

Conclusions:

• This study uniquely focuses on optometrists' perspectives on AI and data sharing in primary care settings.
• Findings align with other medical disciplines, indicating widespread willingness to adopt AI for improved healthcare, coupled with concerns about training, costs, and professional practice integration.
• Optometrists view a digital image-sharing infrastructure as a facilitator for better service integration and enhanced patient care.