PERCEPTION OF OPTOMETRISTS IN PAKISTAN REGARDING THE INTEGRATION OF AI IN OPTOMETRY

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception of optometrists in Pakistan toward the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into eye care.

METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to November 2024 at the College of Ophthalmology and Allied Vision Sciences, Mayo Hospital, Lahore. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board before the study. A total of 312 registered optometrists across Pakistan participated through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire distributed online, covering demographics, familiarity with AI, concerns, and willingness to integrate AI into clinical practice. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: A total of 312 optometrists participated in the survey. Most respondents (78.8%) agreed that AI would enhance optometric practice, while 67.0% expressed concerns about its diagnostic reliability. Higher willingness to adopt AI was observed after the COVID-19 pandemic (64%) compared with before the pandemic (45%) (p = 0.02). Female optometrists (p = 0.01) and recent graduates (2020–2024) (p = 0.01) were more likely to report concerns regarding AI's diagnostic accuracy and its potential to replace doctors. Additionally, 76.7% of respondents supported integrating AI into optometry education. Positive perceptions of AI were associated with private practice and residency experience, including agreement that AI could improve optometric practice (92.2%, p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis of free-text responses identified four main themes: concerns about diagnostic accuracy, professional concerns regarding replacement of doctors, implementation barriers such as cost and training, and perceived benefits including improved efficiency and access to eye care.

CONCLUSION: Pakistani optometrists demonstrated a generally positive attitude toward the integration of AI into eye care. However, concerns regarding the diagnostic reliability of AI systems remained common, highlighting the need for further validation, professional training, and appropriate regulatory oversight before widespread implementation.