A new artificial intelligence (AI)-based assistant for optometry practices has officially launched exclusively in the United States: OptoAI.
Who founded OptoAI?
This early-phase (and still actively evolving) AI-based platform was developed by Aaron Motacek, OD, an optometrist based in Fargo, North Dakota.
- In a LinkedIn post announcing the planned launch of the platform last month, Dr. Motacek invited optometrists (ODs) to share their input on what capabilities they would like for the technology to add to their practice’s workflow—as well as to like the OptoAI Facebook page or join an OptoAI Users Facebook group.
- To note: This is the basis for the technology’s “user-driven development” approach, in which the platform will continuously be updated based on feedback from users.
The endgame goal: “To provide tools that help optometrists stay informed, provide assistance to help make clinical decisions of the highest quality, and improve general efficiency and productivity in the clinic,” stated Dr. Motacek.
Now to the basics of this technology.
OptoAI is designed exclusively for optometrists and optometric staff to assist in clinical decision-making and daily tasks associated with practice management.
Specifically: OptoAI is referred to as a “specialized AI assistant” that is programmed to focus on only optometry as its subject matter.
- “It’s already going to be ‘configured’ to ‘think’ and respond in a way that is relevant to the optometry world,” according to the website.
How does this differ from other AI assistants?
OptoAI actually addresses this on its launch site, acknowledging overlap between these “generalized” AI assistants that require more setup and context to consistently achieve similar results to that of OptoAI.
With the generalized assistants: “They have to be ready to be at least pretty good at as much as they can, and be pretty knowledgeable about as much as they can, because they have no idea who is going to be using them or what for,” the developer stated.
- Comparatively: “Specialized AI assistants know both who they are for and what they’re going to be used for,” in that more specialty-focused user interfaces and features can be added, the website noted.
Interesting. So what model is OptoAI based on (and has it been tested)?
Montacek told Glance that the platform uses OpenAI’s Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) models, and that the underlying GPT models were trained by OpenAI on publicly available, licensed, and proprietary datasets—though OpenAI has not disclosed specific sources.
Also key to note: OptoAI has not conducted independent validation, instead relying on “OpenAI’s benchmarks and real-world user feedback for continuous improvement,” Montacek said.
Got it. So what features are included in OptoAI?
The assistant is designed with four main components:
- AI clinical assistant
- Instantly generates answers to clinical questions, diagnoses, and treatment recommendations
- Chat modes
- Switch between specialized modes for differential diagnosis, disease management, and plan writing
- Optometric calculations
- Specialized optometric tools and converters perform fast and (ideally) accurate prescription conversions and vertex calculations, among others
- Practice tools
- Both create and save customizable, reusable richview format (RFV) templates to help streamline daily clinical workflow
And of these, which is the main component?
That would be the AI-based chat assistant, which is built on natural language processing equipped with optometric knowledge.
Among its capabilities, this feature assists optometrists and their staff with:
- Identifying clinical guidelines and best practices on ocular conditions, treatment protocols, and industry standards
- Summarizing complex information on ocular conditions, differential diagnoses, and management strategies
- Assisting with diagnosis and decision-making by recording signs / symptoms to generate differential diagnosis insights
- Improving patient-based interactions and overall efficiency via AI-generated explanations, comparisons, and discussion points
Does it integrate into already-established practice management software?
Not quite—although that potential isn’t being ruled out for the future.
Instead, the technology is reportedly “made to be used alongside” practices’ existing practice management (PM) software to assist in improving workflow efficiency without disrupting already-established operations.
What’s the deal on HIPAA compliance?
OptoAI is not HIPAA-compliant, Montacek noted.
As such: He stressed that “users should not input protected health information (PHI)” into the platform.
- “The AI chat assistant is an information tool, not a substitute for clinical decision-making or medical record-keeping,” Montacek said.
Is there a disclaimer to emphasize this?
Indeed there is.
"This AI assistant is designed to provide quick references and refreshers on optometric topics. While it draws from a broad knowledge base, it may not always reflect the most current research or practices, and may not always be accurate. Always use your professional judgment and consult up-to-date resources when necessary."
Got it. How about a visual of how the platform works?
Check it out below.
And if I’m interested in potentially adding this to my practice?
Optometrists interested in adding this AI assistant can sign up for OptoAI.
- As for pricing: A “free plan” is available with limited usage of the AI assistant followed by paid monthly subscription plans (beginning at $10 a month).
Outside of OptoAI: See here for other AI-based innovations happening in the eyecare landscape (and click here for a look at other AI-based assistants).