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Carrasco Solís R, Rodríguez Griñolo MR, Ponte Zúñiga B, Mataix Albert B, LLedó de Villar ML, Martínez de Pablos R, Rodríguez de la Rúa Franch E. Analysis of patient referrals from primary care to ophthalmology. The role of the optometrist. JOURNAL OF OPTOMETRY 2024; 17:100521. [PMID: 39326123 DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2024.100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to characterize the quality of primary care referrals of patients to ophthalmology at the Virgen Macarena Hospital in Seville. This will enable us to optimize ophthalmologic resources and to evaluate the role of the optometrist in improving referrals. METHODS We performed a retrospective cross-sectional review of 220 ophthalmology consultations referred from primary care to the hospital from March to May 2022. The following data were extracted: age, sex, reason for consultation, diagnosis, priority level, whether it was an initial consultation or a follow-up visit, whether there was a secondary referral and whether the referral was appropriate. Excel (version 2312) was used for the data analysis. RESULTS The age range of the patients was from 3 years to 91 years. The patients were 41.8 % male and 58.2 % female. The conditions found were grouped as follows: cataracts (27.27 %), refractive errors (20.9 %), anterior segment disease (18.8 %), posterior segment disease (14.07 %), normal examination (18.63 %) and others (0.9 %). The most common reason for consultation was blurred vision or loss of vision (43.63 %). In total, 41.36 % of the consultations were considered inappropriate. The age group requiring the highest number of consultations was over 65 years (38.64 %). CONCLUSIONS With 41.36 percent of referrals deemed unnecessary, it is clear that referrals can be improved. This would reduce strain on the ophthalmology service and improve patient care. The importance of the optometrist in primary care is demonstrated by the fact that 20.9 % of the diagnoses were refractive errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Carrasco Solís
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Spain.
| | | | | | | | | | - Rocío Martínez de Pablos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
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Yang Z, Wang D, Zhou F, Song D, Zhang Y, Jiang J, Kong K, Liu X, Qiao Y, Chang RT, Han Y, Li F, Tham CC, Zhang X. Understanding natural language: Potential application of large language models to ophthalmology. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2024; 13:100085. [PMID: 39059558 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjo.2024.100085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Large language models (LLMs), a natural language processing technology based on deep learning, are currently in the spotlight. These models closely mimic natural language comprehension and generation. Their evolution has undergone several waves of innovation similar to convolutional neural networks. The transformer architecture advancement in generative artificial intelligence marks a monumental leap beyond early-stage pattern recognition via supervised learning. With the expansion of parameters and training data (terabytes), LLMs unveil remarkable human interactivity, encompassing capabilities such as memory retention and comprehension. These advances make LLMs particularly well-suited for roles in healthcare communication between medical practitioners and patients. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the trajectory of LLMs and their potential implications for clinicians and patients. For clinicians, LLMs can be used for automated medical documentation, and given better inputs and extensive validation, LLMs may be able to autonomously diagnose and treat in the future. For patient care, LLMs can be used for triage suggestions, summarization of medical documents, explanation of a patient's condition, and customizing patient education materials tailored to their comprehension level. The limitations of LLMs and possible solutions for real-world use are also presented. Given the rapid advancements in this area, this review attempts to briefly cover many roles that LLMs may play in the ophthalmic space, with a focus on improving the quality of healthcare delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zefeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Deming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Fengqi Zhou
- Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic Health System, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Diping Song
- Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinhang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jiaxuan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kangjie Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Xiaoyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yu Qiao
- Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Shanghai, China
| | - Robert T Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Clement C Tham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Hong Kong Eye Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Xiulan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou 510060, China.
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Parkins DJ, Edgar DF, Evans BJW. Optometrist referral accuracy: Addressing the root causes of unwarranted variation. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2024; 44:229-230. [PMID: 37947239 DOI: 10.1111/opo.13248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David F Edgar
- Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health & Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Bruce J W Evans
- Institute of Optometry, London, UK
- Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health & Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
- School of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, UK
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Betzler BK, Chen H, Cheng CY, Lee CS, Ning G, Song SJ, Lee AY, Kawasaki R, van Wijngaarden P, Grzybowski A, He M, Li D, Ran Ran A, Ting DSW, Teo K, Ruamviboonsuk P, Sivaprasad S, Chaudhary V, Tadayoni R, Wang X, Cheung CY, Zheng Y, Wang YX, Tham YC, Wong TY. Large language models and their impact in ophthalmology. Lancet Digit Health 2023; 5:e917-e924. [PMID: 38000875 PMCID: PMC11003328 DOI: 10.1016/s2589-7500(23)00201-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
The advent of generative artificial intelligence and large language models has ushered in transformative applications within medicine. Specifically in ophthalmology, large language models offer unique opportunities to revolutionise digital eye care, address clinical workflow inefficiencies, and enhance patient experiences across diverse global eye care landscapes. Yet alongside these prospects lie tangible and ethical challenges, encompassing data privacy, security, and the intricacies of embedding large language models into clinical routines. This Viewpoint highlights the promising applications of large language models in ophthalmology, while weighing up the practical and ethical barriers towards their real-world implementation. This Viewpoint seeks to stimulate broader discourse on the potential of large language models in ophthalmology and to galvanise both clinicians and researchers into tackling the prevailing challenges and optimising the benefits of large language models while curtailing the associated risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Haichao Chen
- Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ching-Yu Cheng
- Centre for Innovation and Precision Eye Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Science Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Cecilia S Lee
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Guochen Ning
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Su Jeong Song
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Aaron Y Lee
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ryo Kawasaki
- Division of Public Health, Department of Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan; Artificial Intelligence Center for Medical Research and Application, Osaka University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Peter van Wijngaarden
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Melbourne, VA, Australia; Ophthalmology, University of Melbourne Department of Surgery, East Melbourne, Melbourne, VA, Australia
| | - Andrzej Grzybowski
- Institute for Research in Ophthalmology, Foundation for Ophthalmology Development, Poznan, Poland
| | - Mingguang He
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dawei Li
- College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - An Ran Ran
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Daniel Shu Wei Ting
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Science Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Kelvin Teo
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Science Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Sobha Sivaprasad
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Varun Chaudhary
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ramin Tadayoni
- Université Paris Cité, AP-HP, Lariboisière, Saint Louis, and Rothschild Foundation Hospitals, Paris, France
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Carol Y Cheung
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya Xing Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yih Chung Tham
- Centre for Innovation and Precision Eye Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Ophthalmology, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Science Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.
| | - Tien Yin Wong
- Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
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Evans BJW, Harvey K, Edgar DF. Referral replies to primary care optometrists: Technology must become a consistent enabler. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2023; 43:1587. [PMID: 37646478 DOI: 10.1111/opo.13224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J W Evans
- Institute of Optometry, London, UK
- School of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, UK
- Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health & Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Krystynne Harvey
- Institute of Optometry, London, UK
- School of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - David F Edgar
- Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health & Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
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Harper RA, Bennett DM. Referral replies to primary care optometrists: Technology must become a consistent enabler. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2023; 43:1585-1586. [PMID: 37646492 DOI: 10.1111/opo.13223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Harper
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David M Bennett
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Constantin A, Atkinson M, Bernabeu MO, Buckmaster F, Dhillon B, McTrusty A, Strang N, Williams R. Optometrists' Perspectives Regarding Artificial Intelligence Aids and Contributing Retinal Images to a Repository: Web-Based Interview Study. JMIR Hum Factors 2023; 10:e40887. [PMID: 37227761 DOI: 10.2196/40887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A repository of retinal images for research is being established in Scotland. It will permit researchers to validate, tune, and refine artificial intelligence (AI) decision-support algorithms to accelerate safe deployment in Scottish optometry and beyond. Research demonstrates the potential of AI systems in optometry and ophthalmology, though they are not yet widely adopted. OBJECTIVE In this study, 18 optometrists were interviewed to (1) identify their expectations and concerns about the national image research repository and their use of AI decision support and (2) gather their suggestions for improving eye health care. The goal was to clarify attitudes among optometrists delivering primary eye care with respect to contributing their patients' images and to using AI assistance. These attitudes are less well studied in primary care contexts. Five ophthalmologists were interviewed to discover their interactions with optometrists. METHODS Between March and August 2021, 23 semistructured interviews were conducted online lasting for 30-60 minutes. Transcribed and pseudonymized recordings were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS All optometrists supported contributing retinal images to form an extensive and long-running research repository. Our main findings are summarized as follows. Optometrists were willing to share images of their patients' eyes but expressed concern about technical difficulties, lack of standardization, and the effort involved. Those interviewed thought that sharing digital images would improve collaboration between optometrists and ophthalmologists, for example, during referral to secondary health care. Optometrists welcomed an expanded primary care role in diagnosis and management of diseases by exploiting new technologies and anticipated significant health benefits. Optometrists welcomed AI assistance but insisted that it should not reduce their role and responsibilities. CONCLUSIONS Our investigation focusing on optometrists is novel because most similar studies on AI assistance were performed in hospital settings. Our findings are consistent with those of studies with professionals in ophthalmology and other medical disciplines: showing near universal willingness to use AI to improve health care, alongside concerns over training, costs, responsibilities, skill retention, data sharing, and disruptions to professional practices. Our study on optometrists' willingness to contribute images to a research repository introduces a new aspect; they hope that a digital image sharing infrastructure will facilitate service integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Constantin
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Atkinson
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Oscar Bernabeu
- Centre for Medical Informatics, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Buckmaster
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Baljean Dhillon
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alice McTrusty
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Niall Strang
- Department of Vision Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Williams
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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