Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Artificial intelligence has been a game changer in Ophthalmology as our daily practice relies heavily on digital imaging systems.AI has shown remarkable accuracy in detecting and classifying ocular diseases based on slitlamp photos, fundus images, OCT, visual fields and corneal topography. 1 We firmly believe that AI will never replace Ophthalmologists, but should be used to augment clinical judgement, improve our efficiency, reduce diagnostic errors and ultimately improve the quality of care we offer our patients.Traditional resident training must be expanded to equip residents to effectively utilize AI.This necessitates instruction in AI literacy, critical evaluation of algorithms, and supervised human-AI workflow training, ensuring that technology enhances access while complimenting clinical judgment.Residents must understand that AI learns from large datasets and its performance depends largely on quality, diversity and representativeness of the training data.A sound understanding of sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve, calibration and external validation will enable future ophthalmologists to interpret AI output appropriately.Artificial intelligence is transitioning from research validation to commonplace application in ophthalmology.Systems for screening diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma are being implemented in outreach initiatives, while AI-enhanced simulations are utilized for microsurgical training.2 In India, where the incidence of preventable blindness far exceeds the capacity of the trained ophthalmologists, these instruments provide a practical solution to expand care.3 However, technology does not supplant clinical thinking.The primary objective of training programs is to cultivate ophthalmologists who are competent, compassionate and capable of overseeing AI, understanding its limitations, and incorporating it seamlessly into patient treatment.
Authors: Nikita Pandit, Hannah Ranjee Williams
Language: English
Subfield: Health Informatics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7207650228