DON'T 'LAG' - THE WORLD'S FIRST FUNKY OPTOMETRY MAGAZINE - Purdue Engineering
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THE WORLD’S FIRST FUNKY OPTOMETRY MAGAZINE
06
THE GAMING ISSUE
February 2022
cookiemagazine.org
DON’T ‘LAG’
BEHIND
The pros and cons
of using AI and VR
devices in optometry P16
PROTECT THEIR
PROTECT
VISION FOR THEIR
VISION
THE FUTURE FOR
THE
Don’t let FUTURE
children’s vision
Don’tfade over time.vision
let children’s
fade over time.
Now you can help slow the progression of myopia in your young patients.1
Introducing
Now Brilliant
the you Futures™
can help Myopia
slow the Management
progression Program
of myopia with
in your MiSight®
young 1 day
patients.1 contact
lenses. MiSight® 1 day is the first and only FDA-approved* soft contact lens to slow the progression
Introducing the Brilliant Futures™ Myopia Management Program with MiSight® 1 day contact
of myopia in children aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.1†
lenses. MiSight® 1 day is the first and only FDA-approved soft contact lens to slow the progression
*
of myopia in children aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.1†
52
52
MiSight® 1 day reduced the rate
%
%
41% of eyes had
90
90
of children said they preferred
%
%
of axial elongation by 52%.1 no progression at 3 years.1,2 wearing their MiSight® 1 day
MiSight® 1 day reduced the rate 41% of eyes had ofcontact lenses
children over preferred
said they wearing
of axial elongation by 52%.1 no progression at 3 years.1,2 glasses.
wearing their
3
MiSight® 1 day
contact lenses over wearing
glasses.3
Ask your CooperVision sales representative about Brilliant Futures™ with MiSight® 1 day lenses
or visit https://coopervision.com.sg/practitioner
Ask your CooperVision sales representative about Brilliant Futures™ with MiSight® 1 day lenses
*
or≤ 0.75visit
diopters ofhttps://coopervision.com.sg/practitioner
Indications for use: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age
and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal.
†
Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
1
Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.
Indications
0.25D or lessfor
2*
of use: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age
change.
and
3. have
Data a refraction
on file CV 2019of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal.
†
Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
1
Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8):556-567.
2
0.25D or less of change.
3.
Data on file CV 2019
LETTER TO READERS
AI and Smart
Optometry? APP-solutely!
M
y late father hated the introduction of My 18-year-old daughter also aspires to be an
autorefractometer (AR) in optometry clinics. optometrist, and I honestly don’t know what form or shape
He taught me that nothing beats retinoscopy in the profession will be when she starts practicing. But one
objective refraction. thing is sure, technology’s march will inevitably transform
how — and by whom — optometry will be practiced.
Fast forward to June 2019 and I was part of the
organizing team for the Asia Pacific Optometric Congress This inevitability has been the thesis of Richard and
which was held in Manila with the theme Optometry Daniel Susskind in their book The Future of Professions
Refocused: Adapting to Disruptive Technologies and where optometry was identified as one of the professions
Heightened Consumerism. in technology’s shortlist for obsolescence.
Was this theme prescient? Did we predict that optometry, For now, let this edition of COOKIE magazine intrigue and
especially with COVID-19, would undergo a technological inspire you in equal measure.
transformation and slowly emerge in a radically different
form than what our forebears — my father included — From interesting news on optometry’s AI and VR devices
knew? — hot off the press — to breakthroughs in smart glasses
and contact lenses and the latest strategies in myopia
This issue of COOKIE magazine, which focuses on the management, this issue of COOKIE magazine has got you
role of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) covered!
devices in optometry, dwells on this theme of technology’s
impact on the profession. What’s more, with the prevalence of VR gaming amid the
pandemic, we especially curated compelling features on
Who would have thought, just a few years ago, that how gaming and excessive screen time affect the eyes. Or
certain debilitating diseases such as heart ailments could do they, really? Read on to find out!
be detected by peering through the eyes? Or that “smart
optometry” would provide ODs with online tools for basic As always, we hope you enjoy this issue.
optometry tests?
Best,
I was attending a webinar on binocular
vision (BV) with colleagues, trying
to digest, understand, and practice
simple BV assessments on patients,
when out of the blue came the
announcement that an app had been Carmen Abesamis-Dichoso
developed for ODs to do BV tests and OD, MAT, FIACLE, FPCO, FAAO
management for patients.
| February 2022 3
IN THIS ISSUE...
Cool Optometry Optics
06 Not Just a Game Anymore
AI as a detection tool in optometry 12 On the Metabus to the Metaverse
The visual effects of prolonged use
of VR gaming devices Matt Young
08 Current FoV CEO & Publisher
14
A ‘far-sighted’ look at AI Easy on the Eyes
in myopia management Top 5 gaming glasses Hannah Nguyen
from 2021 COO & CFO
Robert Anderson
Media Director
Gloria D. Gamat
Chief Editor
11 The Future Is Here
Predicting Myopia
Risk with the OCULUS
Editors
Brooke Herron
Myopia Master
Mapet Poso
International Business
Cover Story Development
Ruchi Mahajan Ranga
Brandon Winkeler
16 Writers
April Ingram
DON’T Ben Collins
Chow Ee-Tan
Hazlin Hassan
‘LAG’ Joanna Lee
Joseph Schreiber
BEHIND
Leon Ash
Matt Herman
Nick Eustice
The pros and cons of using AI Roman Meitav
and VR devices in optometry
Sam McCommon
Maricel Salvador
Kudos Enlightenment Graphic Designer
22 Dr. Shalu Pal
Driven by passion and dedication
Published by
26 A Beacon of Light
Philanthropist Donald K. Johnson’s
$50M gift to help fight vision loss
Innovation Media MICE Pte. Ltd.
32 Myopia Game Over 6001 Beach Road, #19-06
28 Beating nearsightedness in a brave
new digital world
Golden Mile Tower, Singapore 199589
Tel: +65 8186 7677 / +1 302 261 5379
Email: enquiry@mediamice.com
Cyberpunk www.mediaMICE.com
Meets Eye Care
Bold and revolutionary
innovations by a vision 35 What’s Brewing
Is coffee affecting your eye health? Society Friend
care startup
36 From Projectile to Hitscan
Know your best weapons and
30 All Eyes on the Metaverse strategies against myopia
5 Innovative smart contact lenses
to watch in 2022
38 Doctor’s Orders
Tips to improve patient adherence in
glaucoma medication He Eye Specialist Hospital
We are looking for eye doctors who can contribute articles to COOKIE magazine.
Interested? Let's talk! Send us an email at editor@mediamice.com.
To place an advertisement, advertorial, symposium highlight, video, email blast, or other promotion in COOKIE magazine
4 contact sales@mediamice.com.
| February 2022
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Dr. Kristie Nguyen is a board-certified optometrist. Optometric Association, Young ODs of America,
She currently serves as a contract doctor for OD Divas, Optometry Divas and the Central Florida
Perez and Associates and Phan-Tastic Eye Care in Optometric Society.
Altamonte Springs, Florida, USA.
In addition, she has been an executive board
After graduating in the top 10 of her high school member for Optometry Divas for the past two
class with honors, she went on to obtain her years. She is also a brand ambassador for an
Bachelor of Science degree from the University of independent eyewear brand called Kazoku Lunettes
Houston, Texas. While at U of H, she volunteered and director of business development for an online
at a local hospital and worked as an optometric optical company called Optazoom. She is also an
assistant. Dr. Nguyen obtained a Doctorate of independent consultant for Rodan+Fields, which is
Dr. Kristie Nguyen
Optometry (O.D.) in 2005 from Nova Southeastern a global clinically tested skincare brand.
OD University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida. She conducted her medical internships at Dr. Nguyen is married and has two beautiful
the Chickasaw Nation Health Clinic in Ardmore, daughters. She enjoys going to the beach, hanging
Oklahoma and the Lake Mary Eye Care in Lake out at Disney, and reading.
Mary, Florida. Dr. Nguyen is a member of the
American Optometric Association, the Florida kristie817@gmail.com
Dr. Oliver Woo graduated from the School of Branch) as an instructor and mentor for FIAO of
Optometry, University of New South Wales, Chinese ophthalmologists, as well as in many local
Australia in 1994 and established an independent and international optometry and ophthalmology
optometrist practice in Sydney, Australia in 1997. conferences as a lecturer and mentor.
In 2007, he became the first Australian Fellow
of the International Academy of Orthokeratology He served on the board of directors of the Oceania
(FIAO) and mentor. Dr. Woo has special interests in Society of Orthokeratology (Australia and New
pediatric optometry, myopia prevention and control Zealand) from 2014 to 2020. He was the FIAO
contact lens fitting of orthokeratology and specialty Section Chairman (Oceania — Australia and New
contact lenses. Zealand), senior member examination chair and
examiner from 2014 to 2017. Dr. Woo actively
Dr. Oliver Woo He opened an Orthokeratology and Myopic Control participates in many local and international
B Optom, FIAOMC Clinic in 2010. Dr. Woo uses and provides a variety optometry and ophthalmology conferences as a
methods in myopic management. lecturer, mentor and coach, with more than 90
international presentations.
Dr. Woo has been actively participating in the
continuing education conference of the IAOA sydneyorthok@gmail.com
(International Academy of Orthokeratology Asian
Dr. Carmen Abesamis-Dichoso received her Doctor Program and provision of eyeglasses with the
of Optometry from the Central Colleges of the United Nations Development Program in 10
Philippines in 1989, and earned her Master of areas and four Regions in the Philippines; and
Arts in Teaching from the Central Colleges of the chairperson of the Special Olympics Healthy
Philippines in 2001. Her specialties include special Athletes Program in the Philippines.
contact lens design for keratoconus, children and
high astigmatism; and visual assessment of the Dr. Abesamis-Dichoso is a fellow of the American
mentally challenged, autistic, ADHD, cerebral palsy Academy of Optometry; a founding fellow at the
and learning disabilities. In addition, Dr. Abesamis- Philippine College of Optometrists; a fellow of
Dichoso has been an orthokeratology practitioner in the International Association of Contact Lens
the Philippines since 2005. Since 1998, she has Educators; an Asia-Pacific Regional advisor for the
Dr. Carmen been self-employed in a private practice at Medical Special Olympics Opening Eyes; treasurer at the
Abesamis-Dichoso
Plaza Makati. Asia-Pacific Council of Optometry; and is an Asia-
OD, MAT, FPCO, FIACLE, Pacific Council of Optometry (APCO) representative
FAAO She was awarded “Outstanding Optometrist of the for the World Council of Optometry, in addition to
Year” in 2017 by the Optometric Association of being a member of the Legislation, Registration
the Philippines. Currently, Dr. Abesamis-Dichoso and Standards Committee. She has also authored
serves as the International Affairs Committee chair numerous published papers and is a popular
of the Optometric Association of the Philippines; lecturer at industry meetings.
director of the Special Olympics Opening Eyes in
the Philippines; program manager of Optometric carmen.dichoso@gmail.com
Association of the Philippines Vision Screening
| February 2022 5
COOL OPTOMETRY | EYE CARE TECH
Not Just
a Game
Anymore
AI as a detection tool
in optometry
by Nick Eustice
O
ne of the first places many of more than just store data or solve basic of the eye, like age-related macular
us encountered AI, or artificial arithmetic. degeneration (AMD) and diabetic
intelligence, was in video games. retinopathy, they are usually in the best
The thing that made (and still makes) Today, 25 years later, AI is being put position to diagnose such conditions.
them fun is the way that machines to use in many areas throughout our When a patient begins to manifest
seemed to solve problems and react in lives. AI is no longer a game — it is symptoms that would require care from
ways that presented new challenges. a bigger part of data analysis in our an ophthalmologist, it is most often the
The lifelike problem-solving abilities world. We’ve covered some of the case that the condition is already at an
of quite simple computers is what led exciting breakthroughs that have come advanced stage, and those symptoms
millions of Pac-Mans and Ms. Pac-Mans through the use of AI in detecting are likely to remain permanent.
to keep running from smart-seeming optical conditions before, and now a
ghosts in video arcades. new study is beginning to explore more On the other hand, optometrists
exciting ways that AI can be used by use many of the diagnostic tools in
Many adept young chess players have optometrists in front-line detection of the course of their own diagnosis
experienced the humbling feeling serious eye conditions. and treatment of patients for less
of being checkmated by their home threatening conditions. These include
PC. It didn’t take long before chip optical coherence tomography (OCT)
manufacturers got really competitive Detection at the first point of scans and color fundus photography
with chess, and in 1997, the IBM contact (CFP). As a regular visit to the
computer known as Deep Blue defeated optometrist is a normal part of life for
the world chess champion, Gary Though optometrists do not always most eye care patients, it is at this
Kasparov. With that news story, many have a role in treating some of the most point where dangerous conditions can
of us realized that computers could do dangerous and debilitating diseases be detected before they have advanced
6 | February 2022
to a stage where they threaten a provide greater availability of diagnosis article notes that this has actually
patient’s vision. at a far lower cost. served to slow adoption of AI systems
in the Australian optometry community.
It is at this early point of detection, in This, they suggest, is due to concerns
the optometrist’s office, that a growing New research in Australia over the comprehensive capabilities of
number of experts believe AI can and AI in a fully automated system.
should begin to play a vital role. A robust new cooperative study
currently underway in Australia is set to Such concerns are, of course, not
release a paper in the coming months, without valid reason. As experts in
Contemporary AI tools in detailing what may be the next steps in their field, optometrists are interested
early detection implementing new diagnostic strategies in solutions that incorporate their
with AI in optometry. knowledge and experience as part of
The first FDA-approved device for the diagnostic process. This program
optical diagnostics was approved Called the Cooperative Research Centre intends to utilize the evaluative input
in 2018. The device, IDx-DR, uses Project (CRC-P), the initiative is a result of the optometrist along with the digital
CFP images of the retina taken with of the combined efforts of the Schools data, which they receive from the
the Topcon NW400 camera. Those of Optometry and Vision Science and server-based AI analysis as part of a
images are then uploaded to the cloud, Computer Science and Engineering holistic diagnostic approach.
where the IDx-DR software uses AI to at the University of New South Wales
cross-reference them with other such (UNSW) and the global technology This method proposes to address
images to detect signs of diabetic company Big Picture Medical, a leading concerns about adopting AI platforms
retinopathy. Based upon this analysis, innovator in information management in and, at the same time, incorporate
the device is able to determine whether the medical field. a wider field of information into the
a diabetic patient should be referred diagnostic process. A broader spectrum
for immediate care, or should be This project aims to tie together of data, coupled with the assurances of
rescreened one year later. different data sets in order to streamline a professional optometrist, could be a
diagnostic tools and eliminate false big step forward in the development of
The FDA noted in its press release1 that positives at the diagnostic level. One diagnostic tools.
a unique and, indeed, defining feature of the project’s directors, Prof. Michael
of the IDx-DR is that it functions Kalloniatis, is quoted on the UNSW
completely autonomously once the website identifying misdiagnosis as a Working together for winning
data has been uploaded. This makes it primary motivator for this project, with results
the first device released to the market the goal of improving patient outcomes
that provides a screening decision and more efficiently using the time and Optometrists, who are at the front line
without the need of interpretation by resources of eye care professionals.3 of detection for dangerous conditions,
a medical doctor, or in this case, an want to be involved in the process
ophthalmologist. “AI algorithms can provide guidance of using AI detection systems. After
to the clinicians, particularly in early all, as professionals in the healing
Another similar technology, RetinaLyze diagnosis of eye disease, thereby field, they want to do their utmost in
Glaucoma, aims to provide similar early reducing the significant false positive assessing avenues for patient care.
detection opportunities for glaucoma, referrals to public hospital eye At the same time, AI is a growing and
one of the leading causes of blindness departments and also help detect already powerful tool for detection. By
in the world. While RetinaLyze disease early before irreversible vision combining these two together, we may
Glaucoma is not yet approved by the loss occurs,” said Prof. Kalloniatis. find our way toward more effective and
FDA, it has been made widely available efficient detection of eye diseases.
in the EU. This process is quite similar This program is also unique in that
to the IDx-DR platform, also using it seeks to incorporate other patient
cloud-based AI to analyze CFP images, factors into its diagnostic data set. REFERENCES:
but seeks to identify biomarkers This includes multiple images, vision 1.
FDA permits marketing of artificial intelligence-
associated with glaucoma rather than tests, and patients’ clinical histories. based device to detect certain diabetes-related
eye problems. 18 April 2018. Available
diabetic retinopathy. Utilizing these other factors in the AI’s at: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-
diagnostic capabilities will increase the announcements/fda-permits-marketing-artificial-
intelligence-based-device-detect-certain-
A study2 published two years ago in software’s accuracy, and subsequently diabetes-related-eye. Accessed on 29 Jan.
the British Journal of Retinopathy lead to a more effective allocation of 2022.
found that RetinaLyze Glaucoma resources. 2.
Mendez-Hernandez C, Wang S, Arribas-Pardo
P, et. al. Diagnostic validity of optic nerve head
delivers comparably accurate results to colorimetric assessment and optical coherence
those provided by a stand-alone OCT Another goal that sets this project tomography angiography in patients with
scan. While at first this may not seem apart is the degree of involvement that glaucoma. Br J Ophthalmol. 2021;105(7):957-
963.
significant, the fact that these results optometrists are expected to have in the 3.
Artificial intelligence to improve optometrists’
are achieved entirely by AI, without analysis. While IDx-DR and RetinaLyze diagnoses and referrals. Available at: https://
the need for analysis by a clinician, is Glaucoma platforms deliver their results www.optometry.unsw.edu.au/artificial-
intelligence-improve-optometrists-diagnoses-
a substantial achievement that could completely autonomously, the UNSW and-referrals. Accessed on 29 Jan. 2022.
| February 2022 7
COOL OPTOMETRY | EYE CARE TECH
Current
A ‘far-sighted’ look at AI in
myopia management by Joanna Lee
W
ithout a doubt, the gaming The role of AI in myopia between the period of childhood and
industry has leveled up during control adulthood.
the pandemic. On Roblox
alone — one of the top online gaming The advancement in AI capabilities Although recent molecular technologies
platforms worldwide — more than half in the field of genomics, along with like genome-wide association (GWAS)
a million American kids played video environmental factors, could potentially trials and next-generation sequencing
games in 2020. spur the development of tools that help (NGS) have detected novel risk-
bring about individualized and precision associated loci in myopic patients,2,3
Without proper regulation, chances medicine for myopic patients, according the interpretation of the findings
are, these children will develop myopia to a group of researchers.1 remains a challenge because of the
in time to come, thanks to prolonged multiplicity of genetic variables and
screen time. However, there may From their review of AI trends in environmental factors.
be hope through means of artificial myopia, the researchers suggested
intelligence (AI). that future innovative works should The review stated that there are still
emphasize developing “generalizable significant challenges to overcome
Let’s survey our current field of view predictive models” to control or prevent toward achieving models of prediction,
(FoV). the development of myopia, especially which are more holistic in preventive
8 | February 2022
eye care for myopia. axial length, and myopic status among various AI algorithms directed at myopia
teens) and biometry for cataract surgery management, possibly translating into
The medical team from Singapore among individuals with high myopia. clinically relevant and viable solutions,”
National Eye Centre (SNEC) and enthused Dr. Foo.
Singapore Eye Research Institute “Currently, AI in myopia is at a nascent
(SERI), together with the National stage with several schools of approach,
University of Singapore’s DUKE-NUS
Medical School, undertook the review
without a single dominating focus,
compared to diseases such as diabetic “We recognize that
to explore AI as a more sustainable,
scalable solution to ease the burden
retinopathy [and its] screening,” Dr. Foo
said.
implementation of
of early detection, treatment, and AI algorithms into
prevention of myopia. “This is mainly due to paucity of
robust longitudinal data available for clinical practice
We reached out to the review’s
corresponding author Associate
algorithm development and collation
that requires a significant investment
is currently still
Professor Daniel Ting who roped
in lead author, SNEC Consultant
of time and effort. Hence, most efforts
are currently directed at data collection,
challenging.”
Ophthalmologist, and myopia specialist which will lay the foundation required
Dr. Li Lian Foo, for more insight. to accelerate future AI development,”
— Dr. Marcus Ang, SNEC Associate
Professor and Senior Consultant
she added. Ophthalmologist
The trouble with myopia
On the beat of algorithms Recently, studies have suggested
“Myopia is a lifelong ocular disease, that DL algorithms may be able to
starting from childhood and extending There may be hope. “Once these detect pathologic myopia from fundus
into adulthood,” shared Dr. Foo. datasets are available in the upcoming images or automatically detect myopic
years, there will likely be an influx of maculopathy based on OCT images.
“Currently, AI in myopia
is at a nascent stage
with several schools
of approach, without
a single dominating
focus, compared to
diseases such as diabetic
retinopathy [and its]
screening.”
— Dr. Li Lian Foo, SNEC
Consultant Ophthalmologist and
Myopia Specialist
The review highlighted its prevalence
in East and Southeast Asian countries,
where adults form 15 to 49% of those
affected and 20 to 90% of children and
adolescents are near-sighted.
Current studies are showing potential
within the subfields of AI, specifically
in machine learning (ML) and deep
learning (DL) for myopia.
In ML, which zeroes in on pattern
recognition, promising results have
been seen in myopia prediction (such
as in the development of myopia among
schoolchildren, growth of physiological
| February 2022 9
COOL OPTOMETRY | EYE CARE TECH
However, associate professor and VR in myopia management? to greater outdoor exposure and near
senior consultant ophthalmologist Dr. Game on! work reduction would have potential
Marcus Ang from SNEC feels that while towards individualized precision
these studies are promising, future Recent interest has been found in medicine for myopic patients,” he said.
AI algorithms that can predict which virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality
individuals are at greater risk of myopia (AR) devices for myopia. Early research have examined the use of
progression or higher risk of developing VR devices that can maintain peripheral
myopia-related complications would be But video gamers, children, parents, defocus and simulate an outdoor
of greater clinical significance. researchers, and anyone working on environment for myopia prevention.4
screens may want to take note of Dr. However, substantial research is needed
“We also recognize that implementation Foo’s take on these devices. “Near work to confirm that these devices actually
of such algorithms into clinical practice is is known to induce myopia progression. reduce myopia progression.5
currently still challenging,” Dr. Ang said. On the other hand, applications related
REFERENCES:
1.
Foo LL, Ng WY, Lim GYS, Tan TE, Ang M, Ting DSW. Artificial intelligence in myopia: current and future trends. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2021;32(5):413-424.
2.
Cai XB, Shen SR, Chen DF, et al. An overview of myopia genetics. Exp Eye Res. 2019;188:107778.
3.
Kido T, Sikora-Wohlfeld W, Kawashima M, et al. Are minor alleles more likely to be risk alleles? BMC Med Genomics. 201819;11(1):3.
4.
Zhao F, Chen L, Ma H, Zhang W. Virtual reality: A possible approach to myopia prevention and control? Med Hypotheses. 2018;121:1-3.
5.
Turnbull PRK, Phillips JR. Ocular effects of virtual reality headset wear in young adults. Scientific Reports. Sci Rep. 2017;7(1):16172.
6.
Jiang Y, Zhu Z, Tan X, et al. Effect of repeated low-level red-light therapy in myopia control in children: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.
Ophthalmology. 2021;S0161-6420(21)00916-009167.
Contributing Doctors
Dr. Li Lian Foo is a consultant Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marcus Ang is Senior Dr. Daniel Ting is a vitreo-retinal
ophthalmologist at the Singapore Consultant Ophthalmologist at surgeon working at the Singapore
National Eye Centre and the Cornea, Cataract National Eye Center, and
Myopia Centre of Excellence and Refractive Service, a tenured-track associate
Singapore, subspecializing in Singapore National Eye professor at the Duke-NUS
the field of myopia, focusing on Center (SNEC). He is the Medical School. He is also
childhood myopia control as well Clinical Director of the SNEC the director of Singapore
as refractive and cataract surgeries. Myopia Center. His academic Health Service (SingHealth)
She is the first ophthalmologist who work includes more than 170 peer- AI Program, head of AI and Digital
has completed the Myopia Fellowship reviewed publications (H-index=44), Innovation in Singapore Eye Research
in Singapore National Eye Centre majority of which are first or Institute (SERI), and was a Fulbright
and in the whole of Singapore. She corresponding author with JIF>2.0, Scholar at School of Medicine
also holds an academic position of focusing on translational research, Johns Hopkins University. Dr Ting’s
clinical instructor at DUKE-NUS such as corneal transplantation research focus is related to AI and
Department of Ophthalmology and studying prognostic factors to improve digital health-related applications
Visual Sciences, Myopia Program Lead outcomes. He has published a few for eye and retinal diseases that
of the Singapore National Eye Centre important articles in the LANCET, span across machine learning,
Fellowship Coordination Committee, PRER and Ophthalmology; and deep learning, privacy preserving
physician faculty member of SingHealth book chapters such as the seminal technology, such as blockchain
Ophthalmology Residency Program, textbook CORNEA. He also serves technology, federated machine
and honorary committee member as Secretary of the Asia Pacific learning and generative adversarial
of the SingHealth Cluster Artificial Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) network, satellite technology (4G
Intelligence Program. Dr. Foo is YO Committee. He currently serves on and 5G), conversational AI chatbot
also actively involved in innovations the APAO LDP Standing Committee using natural language processing
and research in the field of artificial and AAO Committees such as the YO and cybersecurity. To date, he
intelligence and myopia. She is International Committee and AAO has published 200 peer reviewed
currently a scholar of the Khoo Scholars Myopia Taskforce. He is a regular publications in high-impact journals.
Programme at Duke-NUS Graduate invited speaker at international One of his COVID-19 articles was
Medical School and has also been conferences recognized by his published in Nature Medicine,
awarded the Duke-NUS Nurturing international awards such as the entitled “Digital Technology and
Clinician Researcher Scheme (clinician APAO Achievement Award (2018) and COVID-19” has so far been cited
innovator). Besides having her work AAO Achievement Award (2019). His for 842 times with 100,000 views,
published in various major scientific contributions and achievements as and also been referenced by the
journals, she has been invited as a young ophthalmologist have led to US Center for Disease Control and
a panelist and speaker at multiple him being awarded the Artemis Award Prevention.
conferences both locally and globally. from the American of Ophthalmology
in 2019 and Vision Excellence Award daniel.ting@duke-nus.com.sg
foo.li.lian@singhealth.com.sg (IAPB) in 2020.
marcus.ang@singhealth.com.sg
10 | February 2022OCULUS CORNER
The Future
Is Here by Hazlin Hassan
Predicting myopia risk with
the OCULUS Myopia Master
M
yopia or short-sightedness is (AL) and AL/corneal
on the rise, especially among radius of curvature
school-aged children. It is (AL/CR) and, to
estimated that nearly half of the world’s use percentiles
population will be affected by myopia by to determine
the year 2050. probability of
myopia and
The OCULUS Myopia Master is the estimate refractive
world’s first device to combine the three error (RE).
important measurement parameters for
myopia management: refraction, axial Prof. Sankaridurg
length and central corneal radii, making said axial length
myopia management easier and more nomograms
reliable than ever. are useful in
determining
With myopia prevalence increasing in the probability
children, adolescents and young adults of myopia, to monitor patterns of eye resulting in emmetropia causing
and growing exponentially overall, it is growth and to determine if these are a mismatch between the optical
becoming more and more important to within expected ranges. “This helps to components of the eye, such as the
monitor for myopia early on in life. The determine appropriate monitoring and cornea and the eye length. This results
earlier myopia is discovered, the better treatment strategies and if the child in blurred distance vision.
for its management. is already on a myopia control strategy,
then to evaluate the efficacy of the While the majority of cases of myopia
To date, there has been no single device treatment,” she said. are mild and easily controlled with
that was capable of measuring refractive eyeglasses, contact lenses or refractive
error, axial length and corneal radius Results of the study showed that the surgery, the axial elongation often
of curvature. Additionally, none of the estimation of a one-year change in AL continues well into teenage years and
instruments provided any feedback to using percentiles correlated highly with in a number of cases, into adulthood,
the practitioner on whether the values actual AL (ICC=0.98). Concordance leading to further progression of
fell within the expected range. The of estimated to actual RE was high myopia. In some rare cases, more
only option was to purchase at least (ICC=0.80) and within ±0.50D and severe disorders develop.
two devices or more, but without any ±1.0D of actual RE for 47.4% and
software that provided feedback. 78.9% of eyes, respectively. Any level of myopia poses an economic
and health burden, and progression to
Prof. Padmaja Sankaridurg and In conclusion, age-specific and gender- higher levels may lead to uncorrectable
colleagues from the Brien Holden Vision specific AL and AL/CR percentiles can vision impairment as well as sight-
Institute, Australia, and the Shanghai be used to provide reference data, aid threatening complications such as
Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment in identifying and monitoring children myopic macular degeneration.
Center, China, have created percentile at risk of myopia and can be used as
charts incorporated into a software for part of screening for the condition. High myopia may also increase
evaluating whether a child’s axial length the child’s risk of developing more
is normal, a useful and important tool The OCULUS Myopia Master, which is a serious sight conditions later in life,
for eye practitioners. quick, painless and contactless system, such as cataracts, detached retinas
not only predicts the risk of progression and glaucoma. Left untreated, high
In a ground-breaking study on but can also take into account other myopia complications can lead to
typical axial lengths in children from risk factors such as the number of blindness. Prof. Sankaridurg said that
Shanghai, China, they looked at the parents with myopia and time spent while the database features Chinese
eyes of 14,127 Chinese children and on outdoor activities, added Prof. subjects, the researchers are planning
adolescents aged four to 18 years. Sankaridurg. to work on predictive models for other
The purpose was to develop age- populations. “We do hope to develop
specific and gender-specific reference In myopia, the eye length is usually nomograms for other ethnicities fairly
percentile charts for axial length extended beyond the eye length soon,” she said.
| February 2022 11OPTICS | EYE CARE TECH
On the
Metabus to
the Metaverse
The visual effects of prolonged
use of gaming VR devices
by April Ingram
A
re you ready to escape reality and in the Department of Ophthalmology two hours on different days.
jump into the virtual world? If so, at Chonnam National University
you are certainly not alone. It is Medical School in South Korea, and As compared to other clinical trials in
estimated that standalone virtual reality his colleagues were curious about the eye care that involve a commitment
(VR) devices will sell $29 million units potential effects of prolonged use of of numerous visits over the years and
this year, and those that use phones or virtual reality devices on the eyes. recurring painful treatments, this
other gaming platforms will sell $18 Hence, they conducted a randomized study was likely far easier to recruit
million. To say the least, there are tens controlled trial* to investigate exactly participants: “Come and play some
of millions of people jumping on the that, and the findings of this trial were video games for a couple of hours
metabus on their way to the metaverse! published in the Scientific Reports and contribute to important scientific
journal. knowledge!”
No doubt about it, spending time
in the virtual world can have its “Recently, the term ‘metabus’ has
benefits: relaxation, exploration, become popular, and with the increase VR SHMD vs. smartphone
competition, and even opportunities in VR headsets’ sales, VR user and gaming
for social connection. But there are VR usage time have also increased
also downsides to having an entire significantly,” said Dr. Heo, explaining The participants were asked to use a
metaverse positioned so close to your the rationale for conducting this trial. VR SHMD and a smartphone, each for
eyes. “Although VR devices are positioned two hours, with a day in between, with
very close to the eyes, there has been the smartphone group acting as the
Most users report visual fatigue as little research on the impact of VR control. Half were randomized to use
one of the strongest negative effects. devices on eye function. Thus, we the VR SHMD first, and the remaining
Although visual fatigue is a common conducted this study.” participants used smartphones first.
complaint, users are unlikely aware of
the other impacts, especially long-term The team investigated the effects of The devices used in the study were
effects, that prolonged VR device use using a virtual reality smartphone-based the Samsung Gear VR SHMD (Gear VR
can have on their eyes. head-mounted display (VR SHMD) Innovator Edition; Samsung, Suwon,
device over a period of two hours on Korea) with participants playing a
multiple visual parameters. The study VR game (Lands End, Ustwo Games,
For the love of gaming recruited 58 healthy volunteers who United Kingdom), and the smartphone
were asked to play games on either a Galaxy S6 (Samsung) with a fixed-
Dr. Hwan Heo, associate professor VR SHMD platform or a smartphone for degree convex lens in front of each
12 | February 2022parameters and those after the use of entertainment-based VR HMD sessions
the devices. in the U.S. in 2018 was 38 minutes;
while Sony PlayStation VR users spent
49 minutes of playing time per session.
Visual changes associated
with immersive VR gaming We all know someone who is a VR
gamer, and even 49 minutes seems
Some of the findings were surprising, a little short to be realistic. Our
and others not as much, as Dr. Heo researchers must have thought so, too,
described. as their study had participants playing
for two hours.
“After playing VR games,
accommodative and convergence There is also an increasing trend to use
functions were decreased, and VR platforms as an engaging way to
exophoria was aggravated in the adults educate children, but this needs to be
who had exophoria before playing the regulated and closely supervised.
VR game compared to the smartphone
game,” he said. “Above all else, the impact on children
who play VR games is crucial because
“Specifically, there were significant their eyes are still developing,” said
changes observed in near-point Dr. Heo, reiterating a key message
convergence and accommodation, that he wants everyone to understand.
exophoric deviation, stereopsis, and “Manufacturers recommend that the
accommodative lag after VR SHMD. But use of VR devices under the age of
with the smartphones, the participants 13 should be restricted, but many
reported more severe subjective children are playing VR games now,”
discomfort associated with dry eye and he added. “I think more studies should
neurologic symptoms in the VR group,” be conducted to develop guidelines to
Dr. Heo added. protect eye health from VR use for both
children and adults,” he concluded.
eye to play Tetris (Electronic Arts, The symptoms included headache,
California, USA). dizziness, and nausea. No significant Dr. Heo and colleagues continue to
changes in refraction or choroidal investigate the clinical use of virtual
The distance between the screen and thickness were observed after either reality devices, as well as their impact
the front of the subject’s eyes measured device. on ocular function.
approximately 50 mm to 65 mm,
and inter-pupillary distance could be There have been earlier studies
adjusted by a control wheel at the top that have looked at visual changes
* Yoon HJ, Moon HK, Sung MS, Park SW, Heo
of the headset. associated with VR, but most have H. Effects of prolonged use of virtual reality
not fully explored the immersive VR smartphone-based head-mounted display on
“After adults play a two-hour game environment associated with gaming visual parameters: a randomised controlled trial.
Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):15382.
using a VR device, the changes in eye and not for prolonged periods.
function were investigated compared
to the smartphone gameplay,” Dr. Heo
said, sharing what participants were Warning: Game over!
asked to do.
Manufacturers of VR platforms are
The visual parameters that Dr. Heo aware of some of the impacts of their
Contributing Doctor
and his colleagues evaluated included offerings on our eyes, with warnings
refractive error, accommodation, reflected in packages and labels.
Dr. Hwan Heo is an associate
convergence, stereopsis, ocular But let’s be real… when you are
professor in the Department
alignment, and measurement of immersed in the metaverse with of Ophthalmology at Chonnam
choroidal thickness, both before the hottest new technology in your National University Medical
and after the use of VR SHMD hands, would you stop to heed all School in South Korea. His field of
expertise is pediatric ophthalmology
or smartphones. They also had the warnings and recommendations? and strabismus. Dr. Heo’s clinical and
participants complete questionnaires to research interests include virtual reality
assess subjective symptoms. Either way, there are existing health devices as eye examination instruments
and safety warnings from manufacturers (https://youtu.be/7FH54lyVxBk), and also
in their impact on eye functions.
The analysis looked at the differences that discourage continuous use of VR
in visual parameters both before and HMD for more than 30 minutes and hwanheo@jnu.ac.kr
after VR SHMD or smartphone use and advise age restrictions for children.
any correlations between baseline visual However, the average duration of
| February 2022 13OPTICS | EYE CARE TECH
Easy on
the Eyes
Top 5 gaming glasses
from 2021 by Ben Collins
I
f — like me — you’ve never been digital eye strain, also known as gaming — by reducing the amount of
much of a gamer (or don’t spend computer vision syndrome. Symptoms focusing the eye has to perform. They
a lot of time staring at a computer can include headaches, blurry vision, can also help reduce glare or reflection
screen, in general), it might come as a fluctuating vision, red eyes, dry eyes, coming off your digital screen and filter
surprise to learn about gaming glasses tired eyes, burning eyes, double vision, both blue and ultraviolet (UV) light.
and their eye health benefits. In fact, and even twitching eyes.1
there’s a plethora of them available on Although blue light is a natural
the market, all offering different specs Our eyes are simply not designed to phenomenon (e.g., the sky is
and design features depending on your focus on close objects for long periods blue because blue light waves hit
requirements. of time (especially a glowing, flickering nitrogen and oxygen particles in the
computer screen), and computer vision atmosphere), people are increasingly
syndrome is often the result. exposed to more blue light than ever
Combating digital eye strain due to the widespread use of devices
that rely on light-emitting diode (LED)
First, let’s have a look at why you might What to look for in gaming technology.2
want gaming or computer glasses glasses
to begin with. Although research is A good pair of gaming glasses should
ongoing and inconclusive to some So how do gaming (or computer) glasses correct any pre-existing vision problems.
degree in this area, you probably don’t help to resolve some of these issues? It should also work well in filtering out
need to be an eye doctor to realize that And what are we looking for in a “good” blue light and reducing glare as well as
prolonged device use and excessive pair? the amount of focusing our eyes have to
screen time are going to have some do. But it doesn’t make a lot of sense
effect on your vision. Computer glasses help to mitigate eye if the user still has to deal with near or
strain during digital screen-based, near- farsightedness.
You may have heard of (or experienced) work activities — such as computer
14 | February 2022Research shows that uncorrected
refractive issues can lead to computer
Cons: Big frame
4. GAMEKING Clip-On
Computer Glasses
vision syndrome-related problems and
decreased productivity.3 3. Swanwick Classic Day
Swannies We like the concept of computer-
specific eyewear that’s compatible
Although not specifically designed for with your existing prescription glasses.
Gaming glasses: Our top 5 gaming, these elegant glasses provide These innovative specs feature the
picks a point of difference in the computer usual suspects in terms of blue light
glasses genre. You’ll be the talk of blocking lenses, a UV filter, and an
So, now that we’ve got some kind of the office in the choice of stylish anti-reflective coating. They come in
idea of what we’re looking for, let’s dive black, tortoise, or two-tone colored two models — flippable and not, have
into our first review! frames. The frames are the most a lifetime warranty, a 30-day money-
environmentally sustainable on the back guarantee, and are extremely
1. Gamma Ray Blue Light
Blocking Glasses
market to date — made from acetate —
which is a plant-based hypoallergenic
plastic without nasty chemicals like
lightweight. Of course, these clip-on-
style gaming glasses are only useful
if you already have an existing pair of
Affordable, non-gender specific, bisphenol A (BPA). Available in a range specs. However, this pair will only fit
and available in a variety of styles, of sizes (small, medium, and large), you frames up to 39 mm.
these glasses are a great option for
the fashion and budget-conscious Pros: Clip-on, blue light protection, UV
consumer! The amber tint lenses filter, anti-reflective, lifetime warranty
block blue light, and they also have
an anti-reflective coating plus a Cons: Limited frame sizes
UV filter, to boot! Customizable
magnification (from 0-4X) is
also a great feature. Durable,
lightweight, and comfortable
5. Hyper X Gaming
Eyewear
frames complete the package. These are designed for more
Unfortunately, they are not serious gamers. Despite the
available in prescription and, clear lenses, they offer great
again, only come in the one- protection from excessive blue/
frame size. UV light and have an anti-
reflective coating. A key feature
Pros: Budget-friendly, non- of these glasses is they are
gender specific, fashionable, designed to be worn comfortably
durable, lightweight, anti- beneath a VR/gaming headset.
reflective, blue light protection There are four different frame styles,
including a youth-specific option. They
Cons: Not available in prescription, are available with prescription lenses,
one-frame size and one model even offers clip-on
polarized sunglasses (for when you’re
2. Gunnar Razer RPG Gaming
Glasses can be assured of a comfortable fit. The
lenses have an anti-reflective coating,
done defeating the big boss and are
headed to the beach to celebrate)!
Featuring a stylish, lightweight blue light blocking attributes, and a Pros: Blue and UV light protection,
aluminum-magnesium frame, UV filter. The unique thing about these anti-reflective, can be worn beneath
adjustable nose pads (ergonomics is glasses is they have an (almost) entirely a VR headset, different frame style
everything!), and anti-reflective scratch- clear lens (most blue-light-blocking options, available in prescription
resistant UV and blue light blocking lenses are amber). They achieve this
lenses — it’s no wonder Gunnar Optiks by only blocking blue light in the more Cons: Slightly pricier than other
is a leader in the gaming glasses field. dangerous range of the spectrum. options
Their lenses also have a very subtle What’s more, you can get these glasses
magnification feature (Gunnar Focus) with prescription lenses! The only thing
and are available in prescription. The lacking is a magnification option. REFERENCES:
1.
only downside to these glasses is they Computer Vision Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms
and Treatments. 17 Aug. 2019. Available at:
just come in one rather large frame size Pros: Stylish, environmentally friendly, https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/computer-
of 62 mm. comes in a variety of sizes, blue light
2.
vision-syndrome. Accessed on 20 Jan 2022.
protection, anti-reflective, ultra-clear Stanborough RJ. What’s Blue Light, and How
does it Affect Our Eyes? Available at: https://
Pros: Anti-reflective, blue light lenses, available in prescription www.healthline.com/health/what-is-blue-light.
protection, lightweight, adjustable, Accessed on 20 Jan 2022.
3.
scratch-resistant, magnification feature, Cons: No magnification option Daum KM, Klore KA, Simms SS, et al.
Productivity associated with visual status of
available in prescription computer users. Optometry. 2004;75(1):33-47.
| February 2022 15COVER STORY
DON’T ‘LAG’
BEHIND
The pros and cons
of using AI and VR
devices in optometry
by April Ingram
I
CYMI (in case you missed it), virtual immersive virtual world — complete feedback, and interaction. As VR
reality (VR) gaming gadgets such as with exotic tropical beaches, interactive platforms and devices have become
VR goggles were among the most tours of Paris… or a visit to the more and more advanced, affordable,
popular big-ticket gifts last Christmas. optometrist’s office? and mainstream, their applications
It’s not surprising, given that the reach beyond gaming and entertainment
technology behind these high-tech Virtual reality aims to simulate a and make an inevitable foray into
glasses allows us to leave the confines realistic environment using computer education, commerce, military, and
of our locked-down, pandemic- technology by applying three key healthcare.
filled reality and transports us to an components: immersion, sensory
16 | F e b r u a r y -2M0a2r2c h 2 0 2 2(Virtual) reality check! To play or to patch, that is (AI) platforms that help enhance
the question optometrists’ ability to accurately
For years, optometry has embraced diagnose, efficiently manage, and
advanced technology for more effective As for treatment, are the days of appropriately refer patients.
and efficient eye care, earlier disease struggling with patches behind us?
detection, and prevention of vision loss. Let’s see: Would a child prefer to wear The technology brings together clinical
After all, the goal is to provide the best a patch for four hours per day as part of expertise with the capabilities of AI to
care for patients. And for technology to his eye care? Or would he rather play a perform critical and complete analyses
succeed, it must seamlessly integrate virtual reality game, explore space, or of multiple imaging modalities,
with current management care systems play sports? combined with associated patient
and improve the services provided to characteristics and risk factors.
patients. Cost comparisons aside, gaming would Evidence already exists supporting the
probably be the overwhelming choice. development and use of AI algorithms
The next generation of optometrists is Research has shown that effective for large-scale screening programs to
on board with the addition of virtual treatment of convergence insufficiency, detect diseases like age-related macular
reality to their training. Many are stereo depth perception, amblyopia, degeneration (AMD) and diabetic
getting a boost in the development and strabismus — either in the clinic or retinopathy.
of their clinical skills, accelerated by at home — can be achieved using VR
training on VR platforms. headsets.
“I think that clinical
Students can get a near-to-authentic The system allows for separate images decision support systems,
experience simulating hundreds of to be presented to each eye, and
patient eyes to practice slit-lamp and clinicians monitor and control the including AI-based
indirect ophthalmoscopy, recognizing aspects of the patients’ experience, diagnostic assistance, are
ocular and systemic diseases, and manipulating their visual system
supplementing their real-life training. to correct the dysfunctions. As we
the way of the future for
mentioned, VR is becoming more the treatment of sight-
Virtual reality applications are proving affordable and proving to be an threatening diseases.”
to be a valuable asset for patient engaging alternative to conventional
assessment and even treatment. For treatments, such as patching.
example, VR technology has been a
— Dr. Fiona Stapleton
tremendous asset in improving the
understanding of how vision loss AI in optometry: AI can be immensely powerful, and
impacts function and aspects of daily Noob but bold developments within eye care —
living. particularly in deep learning —
Hand-in-hand harness mathematics, medicine,
An important application of VR with VR, there computing, statistics and research
technology has been to assess the are new methodology, challenging many
visual deficits in glaucoma patients. artificial clinicians and leaving various
Dr. Christopher Leung and colleagues intelligence questions about the clinical
at the Hong Kong University of Science impact and implications.
and Technology assessed glaucoma
patients as they navigated through Scientia Professor Dr. Fiona
multiple activities in different Stapleton from the School of
lighting (safely — because it was Optometry and Vision Science
all virtual!), collecting visual at UNSW in Sydney, Australia,
acuity, contrast sensitivity believes that AI systems are an
data, and visual field opportunity whose time has come.
deficits along the way.1
“I think that clinical decision
They were able to fully support systems, including AI-
appreciate the specific based diagnostic assistance, are the
ways that glaucoma way of the future for the treatment
impacts the vision of sight-threatening diseases,”
and daily function of Prof. Stapleton shared. “There is
patients, noting that huge literature and enormous
the simulations lend excitement about the
context, bridging technical capabilities of
the disconnect different AI systems and
between clinicians their ability to diagnose
and the patient and monitor eye disease.”
experience.
| F e b r|u a rFye-bMr ua ar cr yh 2 0 2 2 17COVER STORY
The guidance provided by AI can be Remember, AI algorithms are only as reimburse new technology?
particularly useful in early detection good as the data they were trained on
and diagnosis of sight-threatening — meaning that if a clinical scenario
diseases. It could also streamline the is different from the algorithm’s
“The world around us
referral process by potentially limiting training, or if perhaps pertinent data is changing — we can’t
the number of false-positive referrals is inadvertently filtered out, then the stop that! We are seeing
— critical in regions with limited predicted level of accuracy cannot be
availability of specialist services. achieved. However, superior results telehealth optometry
have been shown when algorithmic services and other virtual
decisions are combined with human
It’s a “bot” after all! decision-making.
options being available.
Instead of being afraid to
“AI programs to test the eyes are Dr. Madan shared her impression let go of some of the old,
already here,” explained Dr. Mahnia of implementing technology into
Madan, an optometrist in Vancouver, practice. “We should expect AI to have hold on to the desire to
British Columbia, Canada, and vice a significant impact on the eye and provide good patient care
president for the British Columbia medical care of the future,” she said.
and a deeper mission of
Doctors of Optometry. “They are “But we don’t need to be scared of it.
becoming more and more accurate Just as we embraced AI in other parts improving the quality of
at testing the eyes. However, while of our lives — think Google Maps — we human life. When we keep
technology greatly helps with data need to look at how AI can enhance the
collection, it cannot replace a doctor’s quality of care we provide. I don’t view those core values, the way
clinical judgment,” she added. it as a resource to replace an eye exam we deliver care can evolve
by a doctor, but as an opportunity to and help us grow.”
In order to be useful in day-to-day enhance patient care.”
practice, the AI system must be fully
trained to consider the entirety of — Dr. Mahnia Madan
the patient’s data, including multiple Less glitch, more grinding
images from multiple modalities, visual Although studies have been conducted
acuity, visual function, and the patient’s As we move full steam ahead, some to demonstrate the efficacy and
current and previous medical history. challenges and concerns remain with safety of virtual reality and artificial
implementing technology into practice. intelligence in practice, longitudinal
The optometric profession may be studies that would examine things like
a bit hesitant when it comes to the Where do they fit into clinic flow? practical feasibility, cost-effectiveness,
comprehensiveness of AI automation. What training is required? How can and medical/legal considerations are
There is no doubt, however, that the practice afford to stay on the still needed.
optometrists recognize the potential cutting edge? Will technology
of these platforms and are strong purchased today be Dr. Stapleton shared her thoughts:
adopters of technology. They are obsolete tomorrow? “Beyond these amazing scientific
more comfortable with solutions Will health breakthroughs, challenges
that incorporate their clinical insurance remain — including
experience and incorporating
expertise into any
final analysis.
18 | F e b r u a r y -2M0a2r2c h 2 0 2 2You can also read
