The College of Optometrists has today published its Interim Position on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Eye Care setting out the UK optical sector’s collective stance on the safe and responsible implementation of AI in eyecare.
The College is committed to supporting clinicians with the guidance, training, and resources needed to integrate AI into practice ethically and effectively. Developed by the College of Optometrists in collaboration with national optical bodies and expert advisers, the interim AI in Eye Care position statement outlines the principles, regulatory considerations, and practical guidance needed for AI adoption in both clinical and administrative settings.
It highlights the potential of AI to improve diagnostic accuracy, workflow efficiency, and access to care, while emphasising the need for patient safety, data protection, ethical use, and workforce training.
The College of Optometrists has also established an AI Expert Advisory Group to identify and explore the key priorities relating to AI and eye health, focusing on optometry and primary eye care. The group brings together eye health professionals, researchers, experts from the field of AI, patient representatives and optical sector bodies.
The AI Expert Advisory Group is focused on these key areas:
- Evidence-based AI development
- Ethical and equitable implementation
- Regulatory compliance
- Workforce, education, training, and sustainability
- Clinical accountability
- Interoperability and integration
- Environmental impact of AI systems
- Resource constraints and funding allocation.
The College’s full policy position, research and clinical guidance for AI in eye care will be published later in 2025.
Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists, commented: “Artificial intelligence is already transforming health care, and eye care is no exception. The College is dedicated to bringing the sector together to lead the safe, ethical and evidence-based adoption of AI in optometry for the benefit of patients. That means robust validation, transparency, and a clear understanding of when and how to use these tools safely. Every decision optometrists make using AI must meet the same high standards patients already expect from our clinical judgment.
“We urge every optometrist, practice owner and sector partner across the UK to stay informed, stay involved, and help ensure AI tools are introduced in practice responsibly to enhance patient care and clinical safety, whilst maintaining the trust of the public.”
The interim position has cross-sector support from:
- Association of British Dispensing Opticians
- Association of Optometrists
- FODO, The Association for Eye Care Providers
- Local Optical Support Unit
- Optometry Northern Ireland
- Optometry Scotland
- Optometry Wales
- Optometry Ireland.
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MBE FCOptom, clinical adviser at The College of Optometrists, added, “This interim position statement shows the optical sector speaking with one voice. We welcome the opportunities AI offers, but we’re equally clear that AI is here to support our clinicians, not to replace them. With the right safeguards, training and standards, AI can free up time, reduce inequalities, and help optometrists deliver enhanced care and patient experience.”
