A panel of industry experts in diagnostic technology, software solutions, security and compliance, and EHR/practice management systems gathered to present at the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators program during the 2025 annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery to share insights on the trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI) applications and the potential benefits they offer to individual practices.
In the session, titled “Future Innovations and Technology in Eyecare," Ben Seals, MBA; Wes Strickling, BA; Patrick W Herde, MBA; Megan Odell, MS; and Matteo Ziff discussed how advancements in AI, telemedicine, and robotics are poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery.
“From AI-driven diagnostics to workflow automation, these innovations are reshaping the industry, said Ben Seals, course instructor and CEO, Thomas Eye Group. "One of the most exciting shifts is the role of AI in improving operational efficiency.”
In his discussion, Patrick Herde, general manager of ophthalmology at ModMed, pointed out that ophthalmology is facing immense pressure—with rising patient demand, staffing shortages, declining reimbursements, and increasing costs—and that practices are expected to do more with less.
“AI is emerging as a critical tool to help bridge that gap,” he said. “AI has the potential to transform ophthalmology practices with a leap in automation that will improve collaboration with patients, optimize revenue cycles, and mitigate the increasing drudgery of clinical documentation.”
On the importance of responsible AI in health care, Mr. Herde noted that ophthalmology practices deploying AI must demand responsible development from their software partners. “Just as with the dot-com boom not every 'dot-AI' app will stand the test of time. Ophthalmology practice leaders must select partners who separate innovation from illusion, ensure efficacy, and provide transparency, secure infrastructure, and a long-term vision. The most impactful AI won’t just be a buzzword—it will quietly and effectively power automation behind the scenes."
In his presentation, Matteo Ziff, chief executive officer, Virtual Vision Health, discussed how advanced transformer models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok alongside machine learning tools like basic image recognition, have matured significantly. "These technologies are now reaching a tipping point, disrupting the status quo across multiple sectors, and health care is no exception,” he explained.
In eye care specifically, Mr. Ziff said, we are witnessing a wave of transformation—AI-driven tools are enhancing diagnostic precision, streamlining administrative tasks, and improving patient experiences. “For instance, machine learning algorithms can now analyze retinal scans with greater accuracy and speed than ever before, enabling earlier detection of conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. Meanwhile, conversational AI models are simplifying patient triage, appointment scheduling, and even preliminary consultations. These disruptions are not just incremental improvements; they’re redefining how eyecare professionals operate and how patients engage with their health."
In terms of technology integrating with a practice’s workflow, panelist Wes Strickling, CEO, CodexIT, explained that investing in the latest diagnostic image analysis tools or AI-assisted diagnostics means nothing if it doesn’t integrate well with a practice’s existing workflow. “The best technology investment is one that enhances both clinical and operational efficiency,” he noted.
In addition, he said, as ophthalmology fully shifts to cloud-based, SaaS EHRs and AI-driven scribe, diagnoses, and analytics, cybersecurity must be a priority. “Protecting patient data should come right after protecting vision," he said.
Mr. Strickling also stressed that HIPAA compliance and AI adoption must go hand in hand. “Before implementing any AI tool, ensure that data sharing and storage meet regulatory standards."
Finally, panelist Megan Odell, business operations manager, Revival Health, said if there was one piece of advice she would give to practice leaders about preparing for future technology, “it would be brainstorming with your leadership team to identify the gaps you have today. Revisiting a SWOT analysis is also a great idea as our industry continues to rapidly change." OM