Podcast Summary: Power Hour Optometry – "AI Is Changing the Way You Practice: What Every Optometrist Needs to Know in 2025"

Release Date: June 25, 2025

Hosts:

• Eugene Shatzman – Host of Power Hour Optometry
• Dr. Scott Morris – Returning Guest
• Dr. Rehan Ahmed – New Guest

Introduction to the Episode

In this enlightening episode of Power Hour Optometry, host Eugene Shatzman delves into the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the optometric field. Addressing skepticism surrounding AI, Eugene invites Dr. Scott Morris and Dr. Rehan Ahmed, both co-editors of the AI in Eye Care Journal, to discuss real-world AI innovations poised to transform optometric practices within the next few months.

Current State of AI in Optometry

AI Receptionists and Adaptive Scheduling

Dr. Scott Morris highlights the advancements in AI-driven receptionists, emphasizing their role in enhancing patient scheduling and office management. He states:

“AI agents are going to help define what type of schedule is necessary, what type of testing is going to be necessary... [14:26]”

Dr. Rehan Ahmed echoes this sentiment, sharing his experience with AI-based reception tools that facilitate appointment bookings in multiple languages and respond instantly:

“There’s already clinics... it was fantastic. I made an appointment like next Thursday at 10:30. [07:41]”

Despite some growing pains, both experts believe that AI-based scheduling will become universally available within six months, improving efficiency and patient experience.

Prior Authorization Automation

Navigating prior authorizations is a significant pain point for optometrists. Dr. Rehan Ahmed introduces innovative AI tools designed to streamline this process:

“There are amazing AI tools coming out... they have an AI agent that talks to insurance companies... [32:51]”

These tools not only reduce administrative burdens but also ensure more accurate and timely approvals, allowing practices to focus more on patient care.

Clinical Decision Support Systems

AI is set to revolutionize clinical decision-making by assisting in diagnostics and treatment planning. Dr. Scott Morris envisions AI agents providing differential diagnoses before patients enter the exam room:

“When the patient walks in the door, we're gonna have a list of differentials and these are the tests in the proper sequential order to shorten the differential the fastest. [20:29]”

This preemptive approach aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and streamline patient flow, ultimately leading to better clinical outcomes.

Wearable Technology in Eye Care

The integration of AI with wearable tech is emerging as a significant trend. Dr. Rehan Ahmed discusses smart frames that monitor myopia in children and provide real-time feedback:

“I work with a company called Blink Frames... they will tell the parent, hey, they're not going outside enough... [39:44]”

Such innovations not only aid in managing eye health proactively but also engage patients in their own care, fostering a more interactive healthcare experience.

Challenges and Adoption of AI

While the potential of AI is immense, challenges in adoption persist. Issues like latency in AI responses and patient frustration with automated systems were discussed:

Dr. Scott Morris: “The latency problem is gone... But I have to ask the question. Do patients enjoy talking to the AI? [11:33]”

Dr. Rehan Ahmed remains optimistic, acknowledging initial setbacks but emphasizing the importance of human oversight:

“I think the human in the loop... is in the best interest of the customer. [12:21]”

Building trust through reliable and efficient AI implementations is crucial for widespread acceptance among both practitioners and patients.

Future Innovations and Timeline (3-6 Months)

Looking ahead, both experts outline several AI-driven innovations expected to hit the market within the next six months:

1. Advanced Scheduling Platforms: Transitioning from EHR-based schedulers to universal AI-driven platforms that handle complex scheduling scenarios effortlessly.

2. Ambient Scribes: AI-powered scribes that capture detailed patient-provider interactions, enhancing data accuracy and reducing administrative workload:

   “Three to six months, it needs to be, and it will be... ambient scribe type of technology. [35:03]”

3. Wearable Feedback Systems: Enhanced wearables providing continuous health monitoring and personalized feedback to users.

Practice Management and Business Analytics with AI

AI's role extends beyond clinical applications into practice management. Dr. Scott Morris envisions AI-driven business analytics tools that assist practice owners in making informed decisions:

“How can I make you a better practice owner?... an AI coach to help run a better business. [43:33]”

Dr. Rehan Ahmed adds that such tools democratize access to advanced business insights, leveling the playing field for small to medium-sized practices:

“This really levels the playing field... which I think is good for everyone. [45:52]”

Implementing AI in business operations can lead to more efficient practices, reduced overhead costs, and enhanced profitability.

Concluding Insights and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective on AI's transformative impact on optometry. Eugene Shatzman and the guests emphasize the importance of embracing AI technologies to stay competitive and enhance patient care. They encourage practitioners to stay informed and proactive in adopting AI solutions to navigate the evolving landscape of eye care.

“Medicine is going to become an all life experience... we're sitting in the driver's seat of helping change the way healthcare works. [41:03]”

Dr. Scott Morris reiterates the imminent improvements AI will bring, urging practices to prepare for these changes:

“After hours appointment scheduling for optometric practices should be available within six months. [15:03]”

Additional Resources

For more insights and detailed articles on AI innovations in eye care, listeners are encouraged to visit AIandiCare.com, where Dr. Scott Morris and Dr. Rehan Ahmed contribute as co-editors. The website also hosts various podcast series and a weekly “Real Talk” segment covering the latest in AI and eye care advancements.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Scott Morris [02:30]: “AI is doing right now in eye care? What's coming in the next three to six months, and how will it directly affect the way that you schedule patients, run your office, and care for the people in your chair.”

• Dr. Rehan Ahmed [07:41]: “Having an AI-based receptionist to augment your own receptionist is probably the first thing that's, you know, that they can do for their patient experience.”

• Eugene Shatzman [26:45]: “We don't think about what's our losses, which are still our expenses... It's a loss if we're doing it inefficiently.”

• Dr. Rehan Ahmed [45:52]: “This sort of democratizes this type of support... you could have a tool that does this stuff that sort of allows you to compete with the larger practices.”

This episode of Power Hour Optometry provides a comprehensive exploration of how AI is set to revolutionize optometric practices, offering practical insights and forward-thinking strategies for practitioners eager to embrace technological advancements.