Artificial Intelligence in Oculoplastics: A Survey-Based Study on Provider Perspective

TL;DR

This study surveys UK oculoplastic surgeons about their views on artificial intelligence in their field, finding that while they expect AI to have a big future impact, current use and knowledge are low.

Contribution

The paper provides new insights into the perspectives of oculoplastic surgeons in the UK regarding AI adoption and readiness.

Findings

Most oculoplastic surgeons expect AI to have a noticeable impact within the next 1 to 10 years.

Current use of AI in clinical practice is low among surveyed surgeons.

There is a widespread subjective understanding of AI but limited practical application.

Abstract

Purpose

This survey aims to explore the attitudes of ophthalmologist oculoplastic surgeons in the United Kingdom (UK) towards specific advances in artificial intelligence (AI).

Methods

A web-based anonymised survey was distributed to oculoplastic surgeons in the UK between October 2023 and March 2024. The survey evaluated attitudes towards specific AI advances using a five-point scale. Questions were designed to ascertain understanding, application, as well as attitudes towards anticipated future developments, barriers and challenges of AI within the current oculoplastic clinical landscape.

Results

In total, 77 survey responses were analysed from oculoplastic surgeons practising around the UK. The majority of the responses were from oculoplastic consultants (64%, 44/69), with other responses from oculoplastic fellows (12%, 8/69), ophthalmology consultants (10%, 7/69), speciality training surgeons (6%, 4/69) and other ophthalmology clinicians (9%). The responses highlighted that there is a widespread level of subjective understanding of the topic of AI, a low level of current AI in clinical practice and an anticipation that AI will have a noticeable impact in the next one to five years (45%, 29/64) or five to 10 years (36%, 23/64) in the UK. Specific applications of applications of AI are also discussed in further detail.

Conclusions

Oculoplastic surgeons feel that AI will have an imminent role in this speciality, but there is a low level of self-rated knowledge and low current use of AI in clinical practice. Given the potential of this technology, further resources need to be invested into equipping Oculoplastic surgeons to feel more prepared for this technological revolution.

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