Awareness, Attitudes, and Willingness to Adopt ArtificialIntelligence Among Indian Optometrists: A Cross-SectionalQuestionnaire-Based Study

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into healthcare and eye care, with
potential applications in disease detection, diagnosis, screening, and clinical decision-making.
However, successful implementation depends not only on technological capabilities but also
on healthcare professionals’ awareness, attitudes, confidence, and willingness to adopt these
technologies. This study aimed to assess awareness, attitudes, perceptions, and willingness to
adopt AI among optometrists practising in India. A descriptive cross-sectional questionnairebased
study was conducted among qualified optometrists in India. Participants were recruited
through professional networks, social media platforms, and academic groups using nonprobability
convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered
online questionnaire containing demographic questions and 5-point Likert-scale items
assessing familiarity with AI, perceived benefits and challenges, willingness to adopt AI, and
concerns regarding ethics and professional impact. A total of 213 optometrists participated,
with a mean age of 29.1 ± 5.9 years and a nearly equal distribution of males (50.7%) and
females (49.3%). Approximately 62% of participants reported familiarity with AI applications
in eye care, while 73% expressed a positive attitude towards the potential of AI to improve
optometric practice. However, only 52% indicated willingness to incorporate AI into their
clinical workflow, whereas 60.7% expressed concerns regarding diagnostic accuracy, ethical
considerations, and data privacy. More than 70% of participants did not believe that AI would
replace optometrists. Hands-on experience with AI devices was significantly associated with
a favourable attitude towards AI improving optometric practice (p = 0.044). Willingness to
adopt AI was significantly associated with experience during the COVID-19 pandemic (p <
0.0001), while graduation era was significantly associated with perceptions regarding the
inclusion of AI in the optometry curriculum (p = 0.0004). Overall, Indian optometrists
demonstrated a positive but cautious attitude towards AI. Although the potential benefits of
AI were recognised, concerns regarding accuracy, ethics, privacy, and clinical implementation
may influence adoption. Structured AI education, practical exposure, and appropriate
implementation frameworks may help improve confidence and support the responsible
integration of AI into optometric practice.