Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic idea—it is an evolving reality shaping multiple facets of healthcare, including optometry. From diagnostic support tools to AI-powered simulators in classrooms, optometry students are increasingly surrounded by technologies that promise to enhance both learning and patient care.
However, to truly benefit from these advancements, students must learn not just how to use AI, but how to use it responsibly, ethically, and effectively.
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence by machines, especially computer systems. In the educational and clinical context, AI performs tasks such as language processing, image recognition, decision-making, and predictive analytics.
It is broadly categorized into narrow AI—task-specific tools like image recognition and grammar correction (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly)—and general AI, which refers to hypothetical systems capable of human-like reasoning across multiple domains.1
To learn more about AI, check out Artificial Intelligence for Optometrists: A Breakdown of Terms!
AI in optometric care: Where it stands
Eyecare has already been impacted by AI, and the potential for future implications appears unbounded. Eyecare providers and primary care providers alike are adjusting to new norms and futuristic ideas that may improve access to care, practice efficiencies, and cost-savings potential.
AI in eyecare is currently most well-known by its application in retinal screening photographs. As a profession that relies heavily on image interpretation, but that primarily does this manually, optometry is watching this closely.
AI in software such as IDx-DR uses algorithms to aid in diagnosis of conditions including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.2 Analysis of retinal photographs for diabetic retinopathy, for example, can provide screening results that are 87 to 98% sensitive and 84 to 93% specific.3-5
Positive predictive value (PPV) can be as low as 30%; however, this increases with the severity of retinopathy.3-5 While there are clearly limits to the use of AI for retinal screenings, it brings the potential for early detection and health care cost-effectiveness, particularly in rural areas and those with poor access to care.
Optimizing workflows with artificial intelligence
AI is also used to reduce or eliminate workload in healthcare settings. AI scribes are being tested to transcribe patient interactions in real-time, aiming to reduce the documentation burden for clinicians.1 And while not primarily a teaching tool, this application may potentially help optometry students remain focused on the patient and exam observations, with a reduced documentation burden.
This could eventually streamline the clinical workflow in both clinical and academic settings. Despite their potential for benefit in eyecare settings, widespread implementation of AI solutions remains limited due to barriers like data privacy concerns, model accuracy, and the lack of standardization across platforms.
Some AI models may not work equally well for everyone because they’re trained on biased or limited data. For example, an AI trained mostly on retinal images from light-skinned patients might not perform accurately on darker-skinned individuals.2
AI in optometric education
For optometry students, AI tools primarily fall under narrow AI—designed to enhance specific tasks like learning, practicing skills, diagnosis, and organization. These tools can help students with writing, interpreting images, and streamlining repetitive tasks so they can focus more on clinical learning and patient engagement.
Hands-on training needed for mastery of clinical skills is a critical component of optometry school. Simulated training environments supported by virtual reality and AI can offer students physical practice in techniques like ophthalmoscopy, refraction, and slit lamp examinations.6
A student can use a simulator to practice an important procedure, such as the binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, and receive real-time feedback, enabling them to repeat the procedure until they gain confidence and accuracy. In clinical settings, AI-powered diagnostic tools—such as those that assist in grading fundus images or suggesting differential diagnoses—can guide students while they assess real patients.
These tools offer decision support but still require the student to apply clinical judgment. Such interactive learning accelerates competency development, reduces instructor workload, and enhances confidence in clinical settings without burdening a practice patient.
To read about how optometry schools are utilizing VR and AI for training, check out How Optometry Schools are Innovating Eyecare Education!
How optometry students can use AI effectively
When used properly and within ethical parameters, AI can offer many potential benefits to optometry students. AI-based applications for students include those designed to assist with studying and learning, time management and organization, and academic research and writing.
Additionally, AI can support brainstorming and outlining academic content. By streamlining logistics, students can better focus on academic growth.7 When preparing a capstone or research paper, students might use AI to generate a topic outline or formulate research questions, which they then develop independently.
Language support features help students extend their literature search in various languages. AI-powered tools can translate medical content or aid communication with patients from diverse backgrounds, improving the patient experience.
Students conducting clinical audits or research projects can also use the help of AI for statistical analysis or trend detection in large datasets, helping them develop data literacy and evidence-based practice skills.8
Table 1: Several potential applications for optometry students to use AI.9
| Task | Application | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Writing | Grammarly, ChatGPT, Glass.ai | Polish arguments, ensure grammatical accuracy, and style editing; literature summaries (Glass.ai) |
| Organization / Time Management | Google Calendar, Notion AI | Organize clinic schedules, assignment deadlines, and study plans; planning and note taking (Notion AI) |
| Studying and Learning | Quizlet (with AI), Notion AI | Generate practice quizzes or flashcards to reinforce learning and simulate exam environments |
| Understanding and Interpretation | ChatGPT | Tutoring or clarifying difficult academic concepts (e.g., when a student struggles with understanding anatomy of the anterior segment angle, they can prompt an AI model to break down the anatomy into simpler language) |
| Scribing | Suki, DAX | Real-time transcription in clinical settings |
| Diagnostic Support | VisualDx | AI-assisted differential diagnosis; automated screening for diseases like diabetic retinopathy |
Table 1: Courtesy of Tao Zhang.
Take caution: Logistical and ethical AI considerations in optometry education
Ethical use of AI in optometry school involves transparency, accuracy, fairness, and accountability. As mentioned earlier, one of the key concerns includes data privacy, especially when handling patient data in academic settings. AI tools must be compliant with HIPAA and institutional guidelines to ensure confidential data is not misused.
Academic integrity is of utmost importance, as using AI to generate assignments or exam responses without acknowledgment undermines educational standards. A 2023 study reported increased concern among faculty regarding uncredited AI use in coursework, prompting institutions to craft AI usage policies.10 As such, students should align their AI use carefully with institutional policies.
Bias in AI outputs is another concern. AI tools often reflect the limitations of their training data, allowing for bias in the output. For instance, if a diagnostic model is trained predominantly on retinal images from a specific ethnic group, it may underperform when analyzing patients from other backgrounds.11
There are clear pitfalls in using AI irresponsibly. Over-reliance on AI may impair students' critical thinking and diagnostic reasoning skills. As AI systems often provide quick solutions, there's a risk that students may bypass analytical processes, diminishing their ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve independently.
Educators emphasize that AI should guide—not replace—clinical reasoning. And in general, best practices require that all AI-generated output be verified with credible sources.
Understanding AI usage policies in academic institutions
Institutions are responding with policies that outline acceptable uses of AI. Some allow its use for editing and summarization but prohibit content generation in assessments, while others are developing usage guidelines.10 When used for academic writing, AI can assist with editing and improving clarity, but should not replace the writing process itself.
A real-world classroom example involved students submitting identical AI-generated assignment sections, prompting the institution to adopt AI-detection software and raise awareness about responsible usage. Such incidents highlight the need for both education and enforcement.
While some AI applications are excellent study tools, using AI to solve homework questions instead of engaging with the content compromises learning. Relying solely on AI summaries for studying can deprive students of a deeper understanding and critical analysis.
Clinical decisions should never be based solely on AI without human supervision. As we are reminded in the Optometric Oath, the health of the patient should be our first consideration. Efficiency tools can be abused and become unethical if misused.
Misinterpretation or errors in AI suggestions could lead to adverse patient outcomes. Similarly, using AI to fabricate content on resumes or scholarship applications is both unethical and counterproductive.
Final thoughts
AI is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance optometric education. However, it is not a replacement for foundational knowledge and clinical skills. Ethical considerations such as transparency, data privacy, and academic integrity are crucial.
Understanding the permissible boundaries of AI use in academic and clinical settings is necessary. Students must balance AI's technological benefits with human insight, empathy, and critical thinking.
Finally, staying informed about evolving AI applications will help future optometrists remain adaptive and responsible. As AI becomes embedded in healthcare systems, today's students must lead with both competence and conscience.
Tips for using AI successfully
- Understand the strengths and limitations of any AI tool used.
- Verify AI-generated information and avoid using it as a shortcut for actual learning.
- Maintained academic honesty by disclosing AI use where applicable and required.
- Reflect critically on AI output to ensure retention of problem-solving abilities.
- Follow institutional guidelines and seek clarification when in doubt to avoid misuse.9
- Collaborate with faculty and engage in peer-to-peer discussions on AI literacy.
