Artificial Intelligence scribes in practice – The potential for AI to change Optometry

Artificial Intelligence scribes in practice - The potential for AI to change Optometry

Date: 3/09/2025 (AEST)

Venue: The Greek Club, 29 Edmondstone St, South Brisbane , QLD, 4101

Provider: LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre

Contact: Michelle Carley-Lep, [E] admin@lvfeyecentre.org.au, [P] 07 3398 9494

Activity Outline

This activity provides an evidence-based exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools—specifically AI medical scribes and AI-assisted diagnostic platforms—and their growing role in optometric and ophthalmic practice. Delivered by Professor Layton, who has been at the forefront of clinical and research experience in digital health, the session begins with an overview of AI scribe technology, including how natural language processing (NLP) enables real-time generation of clinical notes during patient consultations. Practical demonstrations and workflow comparisons will highlight time-saving and accuracy-enhancing benefits, as well as medico-legal considerations, privacy risks, and integration with practice management systems. The second part focuses on AI-powered diagnostic support tools, including retinal image analysis systems and decision-support platforms in diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and AMD. Current regulatory frameworks, limitations in clinical sensitivity and specificity, and the importance of human oversight will be discussed. Emphasis is placed on how optometrists can ethically and effectively adopt these technologies to improve patient care while safeguarding professional standards.

2025 developments in pharmacological treatment of geographic atrophy, a previously untreatable late-stage form of AMD are working their way through regulatory processes in Australia. The last section of the presentation will focus on the clinical applications of C3 and C5 complement inhibitors now gaining traction following expanded international approvals. We'll review updated trial data on visual function preservation, injection frequency optimisation, and emerging biomarkers guiding patient selection. Additionally, new combination therapies and sustained release delivery models will be discussed, aiming to equip optometrists with knowledge of the equipment and expertise needed to legally treat this condition, along with the most current, practical insights for those integrating these novel therapies into patient referral pathways. 

Learning Objectives

• Understand the function and capabilities of AI scribes, including how natural language processing can be applied to streamline clinical documentation in optometric practice.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of AI diagnostic tools, with particular reference to their application in screening and managing common ocular diseases.
• Identify key ethical, legal, and professional considerations when implementing AI technology in optometric settings, including data security and clinical responsibility.
• Describe the latest pharmacological advances in the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and relevance

Max CPD hours awarded: 2.5

Session Information