I recently returned from the ASCRS/ASOA meeting in Los Angeles and it seemed that artificial intelligence (AI) was on everyone’s mind and included in many of the presentations. One of the early uses of AI in ophthalmology was analyzing fundus photos for diabetic retinopathy. Since then, it has expanded to include detection of disease and prediction of patient outcomes. In this month’s retina issue, you’ll find several features that highlight the use of AI in the retina space.
Remote Patient Monitoring, Imaging, and More
In this issue, Dr. Miguel A. Busquets discusses remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices and the role AI plays in the interpretation of these results as well as the impact on disease progression and the ability to determine the need for immediate examinations or the possibility of extending a return visit. Dr. Busquets also highlights what ophthalmic technicians and staff need to know when it comes to RPM.
Johnathan Hawkins, CRA, COT, CDOS, OCT-C, FOPS, has written an extensive article on the retinal imaging modalities available today, many of which incorporate AI. The new technologies include OCT-Angiography (OCT-A), home monitoring, and laser-based angiography to name a few.
Next, Drs. Shane M. Griffin and Roger A. Goldberg provide a thumbnail introduction to pharmaceutical treatments for retinal disease. They outline current drugs as well as those currently being studied. They also discuss what technicians and staff should know about treating retinal disease.
And related to that is how Orange County Retina Medical Group streamlined the injection process. Ashley Vu, a scribe helping with injections at the practice, walks us through how the practice refined its approach.
An exciting development in our laser therapies is photobiomodulation for dry macular degeneration. Mary Pat Johnson outlines the procedure and coding guidelines for this new therapy.
Finally, our cover story this month profiles Austin Retina Associates in Austin, Texas. The providers and staff discuss the importance of education and training. Their model for hiring based on character instead of experience leads them to hiring people that value education and having a career path.
How Are You Managing Your Stress?
This month, Elizabeth Monroe’s Customer Service column focuses on your stress management. We are all aware of life’s stressors and those compounded by the demands of the job. Elizabeth provides some tips to help you navigate through those times.
And speaking of stress management, have you seen our new wellness series yet? See Christine Lapointe's article in this issue on bringing meditation into a clinical setting to ease patient anxiety and https://www.ophthalmicprofessional.com/topics/wellness/ for some other great suggestions from you, our readers, on managing your stress. If you have a preferred way to destress, please let us know and send to Julie.Greenbaum@conexiant.com. OP
