Jessilin Quint, OD, MBA, FAAO, discussed with participants how AI technologies are currently transforming diagnostics, imaging analysis, workflow efficiency and patient management.
PHOENIX—Optometry’s Meeting, the annual event for members of the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA), kicked off here yesterday with a wide selection of continuing education sessions for eyecare professionals and optometry students. The evening was highlighted by the AOA Experience: Opening Session, featuring a keynote address by physician-scientist and technology futurist Dr. Daniel Kraft, as well as an opening reception in the Eye Care Square featuring more than 150 vendors.
This year’s program features 300 hours of professional development and continuing education (CE) tailored for ODs and their staff. The curriculum includes 198 courses, highlighted by 40 interactive demonstrations and hands-on workshops led by more than 125 distinguished experts and optometric thought leaders.
One of the top topic education sessions on Wednesday, titled Integrating AI Into Everyday Eyecare Practices, featured presenter Jessilin Quint OD, MBA, FAAO, of Smart EyeCare Center in Maine, who discussed how AI technologies are currently transforming diagnostics, imaging analysis, workflow efficiency and patient management.
(L to R) Alan Glazier, OD, founder of FluoreSCENE Media and Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care, moderated a session at the AOA Innovation Hub on Wednesday with panelists Matthew Low of Movu, Justin Schweitzer, OD, and Rocky O’Shea from Alcon.
“AI is awesome but it does have its limitations,” Dr. Quint told session attendees. “It’s only as good as the data that goes into it. So, as we think about these limitations and you’re using AI in your everyday life, you need to be a good steward of AI. And whether we like it or whether we’re excited about it or not, AI is definitely here to stay. However, I don’t think it’s going to replace, it’s really going to augment.”
Dr. Quint added that the future of AI in eyecare rests in personalized medicine and predictive care, as well as education and skill development in training ECPs to work with AI systems.
After its debut at last year’s Optometry’s Meeting in Minneapolis, the AOA Innovation Hub returned to Phoenix on Wednesday to help open this year’s conference, showcasing cutting-edge innovators and start-ups driving the future of optometric care. Attendees participated in panel discussions focused on technology-based solutions for specific practice obstacles, with each session preceded by 20 minutes of CE. This year’s panel discussion topics included AI in optometry; pharmaceutical advances in eyecare; and surgical procedures and diagnostic equipment.
