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Artificial Intelligence(AI) Taking Over Jobs; Is Optometry One of Them?

by | Mar 1, 2024 | Manuscripts | 0 comments

Deepika Biswakarma, M. Optom

Optometrist, Suvidha Opticians, Jammu & Kashmir, India

 

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) rapid advancement sparks debates about it is potential to replace human jobs, with predictions suggesting it might replace 300 million jobs by 2030 (Goldman Sach, April 2023).(1) According to another study conducted by McKinsey Global Institute, intelligent agents and robots could replace ~30% of the world’s current human labour by the year 2030.(2)

While AI excels in efficiency and automation, human intelligence (HI) remains irreplaceable. Before we jump into the details, let us understand what HI and AI in the first place are.

From a bird’s eye view, HI uses their brain memory and cognitive abilities while AI relies on data provided by the human. The father of AI, John Mc Carthy (1927-2011) define AI as “The science & engineering of making intelligent machines”.(3)

AI can perform complex tasks historically exclusive to humans, yet certain professions, like optometry, remain resistant to full automation. Optometrists possess a unique blend of clinical knowledge, experience, hands-on-procedures, and patient interaction, making their role indispensable.

Here are some reasons explained why human touch in the field of optometry transcends artificial intelligence.

1. Diagnostic Accuracy:

Being one of the primary reasons, AI has the ability to analyse vast data, identify patterns, provide data based clinical decisions, but it lacks understanding nuances of each patient’s unique visual health, medical history, their symptoms, and concerns. While optometrists utilise their training, experiences, observation skills to interpret & diagnose various eye diseases. A ‘black box effect’ — the inability to determine how deep learning systems reach their conclusions — can leave clinicians sceptical of diagnostic findings and reluctant to use AI technology for disease diagnosis.(4)

2. Comprehensive Eye Care:

While AI can assist in tasks like image analysis, early disease detection (like Diabetic retinopathy, Age-related macular degeneration, Retinopathy of prematurity, Paediatric cataract, Glaucoma, Keratoconus etc.), (5) it cannot replace the skill and expertise of optometrist in providing comprehensive eye care. Optometrists go beyond prescribing glasses and contact lenses to diagnose and manage various eye diseases, develop personalised treatment plans, and provide preventive eye care.

3. Hands-on-procedure:

AI being software based, cannot physically perform hands-on-procedures like manual refraction  to determine correct refractive power, fitting/troubleshooting spectacle and contact lenses, regulate specialised machines like slit-lamp for comprehensive eye examination, checking optical devices for performance. Optometrist are trained to perform these intricate procedures while prioritising patient’s comfort and safety.

4. Communication skill:

Optometry involves building genuine connections and trust, an area where AI lacks. Optometrists navigate nuances, interpret subtle cues, ask follow-up questions, and adapt their communication style to suit individual patient’s needs and provide reassurance. Unquestionably, every patient appreciates good communication, emotional support and personalised care that comes from direct human interaction.

5. Ethics, Empathy & Creativity:(6)

AI lacks ethical judgement, empathy & creativity. Optometrists adhere to ethical guidelines (like patient’s confidentiality, informed consent, accountability), provide emotional support, and understand each patient’s unique needs & expectations.

Creativity is not the forte of AI. It can be a skilled machine, but they cannot fully replicate human intelligence and creativity. Optometrists possess a unique form of creativity that involves critical thinking, empathy, and adaptability.

6. Improvement with work experience:

AI only performs programmed tasks. Unlike AI, which relies on pre- loaded data and requires frequent upgrades, optometrists continuously improve their skills through work experience. They handle complex situations that require human experience and judgement leading to accurate diagnoses, effective treatment, and overall improved patient satisfaction.

Conclusion:

In contemplating whether AI will replace optometry jobs, the answer is resounding no. While AI can enhance capabilities in the field of optometry, it is unlikely to completely replace optometrist. The human touch, empathy and skill set of optometrists elevate the quality of eye care and AI should be embraced as a powerful tool that complements rather than replaces human expertise.

 

References:

  1. March 29, 2023, The Economic Times, Will your job get replaced by AI? What Goldman Sachs says [Last accessed 22Feb2024;06:30pm AEDT]
  2. 16 October 2023, How AI Will Affect the Jobs in Future – 2023-2030?  https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/ai-will-affect-jobs-future  [Last accessed 22Feb2024;06:36pm AEDT]
  3. Professor Christopher Manning, September 2020, AI-Definitions-HAI.pdf https://hai.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/2020-09/AI-Definitions-HAI.pdf [Last accessed 22Feb2024;06:16pm AEDT]
  4. November 10, 2023, Stephen J.Bohacik, Artificial Intelligence Improves Diagnostic Accuracy, But Challenges Remain https://www.optometryadvisor.com/general-optometry/artificial-intelligence-improves-diagnostic-accuracy/  [Last accessed 22Feb2024;06:25pm AEDT]
  5. Roach L. Starting With Retina. Artificial Intelligence. 2017 Nov.  https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/artificial-intelligence  [Last accessed 22Feb2024;06:15pm AEDT]
  6. April 15, 2023, Dr. Maulik vyas,
  7. Human Reasons Why AI Cannot Replace Human Doctorshttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/human-reasons-why-ai-cannot-replace-doctors-dr-maulik-vyas/ [Last accessed 22Feb2024;06:39pm AEDT]

 

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