Eyes on AI: ChatGPT's Transformative Potential Impact on Ophthalmology

Abstract

ChatGPT, a large language model by OpenAI, has been adopted in various domains since its release in November 2022, but its application in ophthalmology remains less explored. This editorial assesses ChatGPT's potential applications and limitations in ophthalmology across clinical, educational, and research settings. In clinical settings, ChatGPT can serve as an assistant, offering diagnostic and therapeutic suggestions based on patient data and assisting in patient triage. However, its tendencies to generate inaccurate results and its inability to keep up with recent medical guidelines render it unsuitable for standalone clinical decision-making.Data security and compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) also pose concerns, given ChatGPT's potential to inadvertently expose sensitive patient information. In education, ChatGPT can generate practice questions, provide explanations, and create patient education materials. However, its performance in answering domain-specific questions is suboptimal. In research, ChatGPT can facilitate literature reviews, data analysis, manuscript development, and peer review, but issues of accuracy, bias, and ethics need careful consideration. Ultimately, ensuring accuracy, ethical integrity, and data privacy is essential when integrating ChatGPT into ophthalmology.