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Yaghy A, Yaghy M, Shields JA, Shields CL. Large Language Models in Ophthalmology: Potential and Pitfalls. Semin Ophthalmol 2024; 39:289-293. [PMID: 38179986 DOI: 10.1080/08820538.2023.2300808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Large language models (LLMs) show great promise in assisting clinicians in general, and ophthalmology in particular, through knowledge synthesis, decision support, accelerating research, enhancing education, and improving patient interactions. Specifically, LLMs can rapidly summarize the latest literature to keep clinicians up-to-date. They can also analyze patient data to highlight crucial insights and recommend appropriate tests or referrals. LLMs can automate tedious research tasks like data cleaning and literature reviews. As AI tutors, LLMs can fill knowledge gaps and assess competency in trainees. As chatbots, they can provide empathetic, personalized responses to patient inquiries and improve satisfaction. The visual capabilities of LLMs like GPT-4 allow assisting the visually impaired by describing environments. However, there are significant ethical, technical, and legal challenges around the use of LLMs that should be addressed regarding privacy, fairness, robustness, attribution, and regulation. Ongoing oversight and refinement of models is critical to realize benefits while minimizing risks and upholding responsible AI principles. If carefully implemented, LLMs hold immense potential to push the boundaries of care, discovery, and quality of life for ophthalmology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Yaghy
- Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maria Yaghy
- Pediatric Emergency and Infectious Disease, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Timone Enfants, Marseille, France
| | - Jerry A Shields
- Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carol L Shields
- Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Britten-Jones AC, Schultz J, Mack HG, Kearns LS, Huq AJ, Ruddle JB, Mackey DA, Hewitt AW, Edwards TL, Ayton LN. Patient experiences and perceived value of genetic testing in inherited retinal diseases: a cross-sectional survey. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5403. [PMID: 38443430 PMCID: PMC10914714 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56121-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated patient experiences with genetic testing for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) and the association between underlying knowledge, testing outcomes, and the perceived value of the results. An online survey was distributed to adults with IRDs and parents/guardians of dependents with IRDs who had had genetic testing. Data included details of genetic testing, pre- and post- test perceptions, Decision Regret Scale, perceived value of results, and knowledge of gene therapy. Of 135 responses (85% from adults with IRDs), genetic testing was primarily conducted at no charge through public hospitals (49%) or in a research setting (30%). Key motivations for genetic testing were to confirm IRD diagnosis and to contribute towards research. Those who had received a genetic diagnosis (odds ratio: 6.71; p < 0.001) and those self-reported to have good knowledge of gene therapy (odds ratio: 2.69; p = 0.018) were more likely to have gained confidence in managing their clinical care. For over 80% of respondents, knowing the causative gene empowered them to learn more about their IRD and explore opportunities regarding clinical trials. Key genetic counselling information needs include resources for family communications, structured information provision, and ongoing genetic support, particularly in the context of emerging ocular therapies, to enhance consistency in information uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Ceecee Britten-Jones
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
| | - Joshua Schultz
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Heather G Mack
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Lisa S Kearns
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Aamira J Huq
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jonathan B Ruddle
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David A Mackey
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Lions Eye Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Alex W Hewitt
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7000, Australia
| | - Thomas L Edwards
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Lauren N Ayton
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Britten-Jones AC, Mack HG, Vincent AL, Hill LJ, Edwards TL, Ayton LN. Genetic testing and gene therapy in retinal diseases: Knowledge and perceptions of optometrists in Australia and New Zealand. Clin Genet 2024; 105:34-43. [PMID: 37553298 PMCID: PMC10952375 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
With advances in gene-based therapies for heritable retinal diseases, primary eye care clinicians should be informed on ocular genetics topics. This cross-sectional survey evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and concerns regarding genetic testing and gene therapy for retinal diseases among optometrists in Australia and New Zealand. Survey data included practitioner background, attitudes and practices towards genetic testing for monogenic inherited retinal disease (IRDs) and age-related macular degeneration, and knowledge of ocular genetics and gene therapy. Responses were received from 516 optometrists between 1 April and 31 December 2022. Key perceived barriers to accessing genetic testing were lack of clarity on referral pathways (81%), cost (65%), and lack of treatment options if a genetic cause is identified (50%). Almost all respondents (98%) believed that ophthalmologists should initiate genetic testing for IRDs and fewer understood the role of genetic counsellors and clinical geneticists. This study found that optometrists in Australia and New Zealand have a high level of interest in ocular genetics topics. However, knowledge gaps include referral pathways and awareness of genetic testing and gene therapy outcomes. Addressing perceived barriers to access and promoting sharing of knowledge between interdisciplinary networks can set the foundation for genetic education agendas in primary eye care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Ceecee Britten-Jones
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Heather G Mack
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea L Vincent
- Eye Department, Greenlane Clinical Centre, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lisa J Hill
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Thomas L Edwards
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Surgery (Ophthalmology), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren N Ayton
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Okonkwo ON, Hassan AO, Agweye CT, Victor U, Akanbi T. Clinical presentation and macular morphology in retinitis pigmentosa patients. Ann Afr Med 2023; 22:451-455. [PMID: 38358145 PMCID: PMC10775947 DOI: 10.4103/aam.aam_181_22] [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: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive, frequently used imaging technology that enables detailed viewing of retina anatomy. It is used to monitor disease progression in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) eyes, including detecting changes in retinal thickness. Purpose The purpose of the study is to determine the clinical presentation and macular morphology in RP eyes using OCT imaging. Methods A retrospective review of case records and OCT scans in eyes diagnosed with RP in two ophthalmic clinics in Nigeria. Biodata, Snellen best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR), and presence of maculopathy were determined. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22.0 (IBM Corp. Armonk, NY, USA). Results Fifty-five eyes of 28 patients (18 males and 10 females), with a mean age of 47.16 ± 15.56 years (22-77 years), were studied. 40-49 years was the most frequent age group, 28.6%. Severe visual impairment occurred in 22% of eyes and myopia in 32%. Twenty-nine percent had undergone cataract surgery or had a significant cataract. The mean IOP was 11 mmHg, and the mean VCDR was 0.46. On OCT examination, macular atrophy was the most common finding in 74.5% of eyes, epiretinal membrane in 16.3%, cystoid macular edema in 7.3%, vitreomacular adhesion in 5.4%, and vitreomacular traction in 1.8%. There was no association between macular morphology, macular thickness, and BCVA (P = 0.155, P = 0.424). Conclusion OCT provides information on macula structure in RP eyes. About 14.5% of eyes had a normal macula, while 85.5% had a maculopathy, confirming that RP eyes have a higher rate of maculopathy than non RP eyes. OCT evaluation of an RP eye should be a standard workup for the early detection of such maculopathy and monitoring for disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ogugua Ndubuisi Okonkwo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Foundation Hospital and Eye Foundation Retina Institute, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Adekunle Olubola Hassan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Foundation Hospital and Eye Foundation Retina Institute, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Chineze Thelma Agweye
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Umeh Victor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Foundation Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Toyin Akanbi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Foundation Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
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Zhao B, Chen L, Zhang P, He K, Lei M, Zhang J. Autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy combined with neurofibromatosis type 1 in a patient. BMC Ophthalmol 2023; 23:151. [PMID: 37041514 PMCID: PMC10088182 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-02905-5] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a multisystem genetic disorder that may affect multiple systems of the body. Autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB) is a rare retinal dystrophy caused by autosomal recessively mutations in bestrophin 1 (BEST1) gene. So far, we have not retrieved any case report of the same patient with both NF1 and BEST1 gene mutations. CASE PRESENTATION An 8-year-old female patient with café-au-lait spots, freckling on skin presented to our ophthalmology clinic for routine ophthalmological examination. Her best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in both eyes. Slit-lamp examination of both eyes revealed few yellowish-brown dome-shaped Lisch nodules over the iris surface. Fundus examination was notable for bilateral confluent yellowish subretinal deposits at macula, few yellow flecks at temporal retina, and cup-to-disc ratio of 0.2. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed subretinal fluid (SRF) involving the fovea, elongated photoreceptor outer segments and mild intraretinal fluid (IRF) at bilateral macula. Fundus autofluorescence demonstrated hyperautofluorescence in the area corresponding to the subretinal deposits. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to investigate genetic mutation in the patient and her parents. A BEST1 gene heterozygous missense c.604 C > T (p.Arg202Trp) was identified in the patient and her mother. Also, the patient carries an NF1 nonsense mutation c.6637 C > T (p.Gln2213*) with the mosaic generalized phenotype. There were no visual impairments or obvious neurological, musculoskeletal, behavioral or other symptoms in this patient, so she was managed conservatively and advised to follow up regularly for a long time. CONCLUSIONS ARB and NF1, which are caused by two different pathogenic gene mutations, have rarely coexisted in the same patient. The discovery of pathogenic gene mutations may play a crucial role in more accurate diagnostics and genetic consultations for individuals and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, No.10 eastern section of the third fengcheng Road, Xi'an, 710018, China
| | - Lian Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, No.10 eastern section of the third fengcheng Road, Xi'an, 710018, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, No.10 eastern section of the third fengcheng Road, Xi'an, 710018, China.
| | - Ke He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, No.10 eastern section of the third fengcheng Road, Xi'an, 710018, China
| | - Min Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, No.10 eastern section of the third fengcheng Road, Xi'an, 710018, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, No.10 eastern section of the third fengcheng Road, Xi'an, 710018, China
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