Industry

Haven’t applied AI in practice yet? ‘Play with it in everyday life first’

Healio Optometry4d ago1 min read

Doctors who have not yet started using AI tools should first get comfortable using them in everyday life before adopting them in clinical practice.That is the advice from optometrist Scott A. Edmonds, OD, FAAO, a member of the Healio AI Advisory Board who has been using AI in various areas of his practice.“You learn to use the tool in a much less stressful environment,” Edmonds said. “You learn how the model works and how it thinks. ... Then when I go to use it in the real world, in the clinic, I’m more attuned. I’m not afraid of it. I know what to ask it.“Play with it in everyday life first,

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AI Summary

Quick Take

Optometrist Scott A. Edmonds, OD, FAAO, advises clinicians to overcome the AI learning curve by integrating artificial intelligence into their personal lives before attempting clinical implementation. This low-stakes experimentation helps providers understand how AI models process information and how to refine their prompting techniques without the pressure of patient care.

Why It Matters

The rapid integration of AI into diagnostic imaging and practice management can be intimidating for practitioners who haven't used the technology. Developing 'AI literacy' in a non-clinical environment reduces the fear factor and allows for a more intuitive transition to professional use. As AI becomes a standard component of modern eye care, clinicians who are comfortable with the logic of these tools will be better equipped to evaluate their outputs and improve practice efficiency.

Key Details

Scott A. Edmonds, OD, FAAO, a member of the Healio AI Advisory Board, advocates for a 'play first' approach to AI adoption.
Using AI in everyday life allows clinicians to learn how models 'think' in a much less stressful environment than the exam room.
Personal use helps practitioners become 'attuned' to the technology, making them more confident in what to ask the model when they transition to clinical tasks.
The strategy focuses on building familiarity with the tool's capabilities and limitations before patient outcomes are involved.

Practice Implications

Clinicians should consider using AI for non-medical tasks—such as drafting correspondence or organizing schedules—to master effective prompting. This foundational skill set ensures that when AI is eventually introduced to the clinic, the provider can focus on clinical decision-making rather than struggling with the interface or technology.

Who's Affected

OptometristsOphthalmologistsPractice OwnersClinical Staff

What's Next

As AI continues to evolve within the industry, expect more guidance from advisory boards on practical implementation. Clinicians who build early familiarity through personal use will be better positioned to adopt more advanced, specialty-specific AI tools as they are released.

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