“Here you go, Dr. Etten,” as the Clinical Director hands me a shiny new iPad. “Now let’s introduce you to your AI clinical assistant!” So now, courtesy of the EHR platform, I have a non-human intuitive clinical assistant. This certainly was not on my career bingo card early this century. While the interface has a learning curve, it is an interesting tool; and that is what I choose to use it as for now—a tool to assist with charting. I am not to a point where it assists me with encounter time as I double-check all AI based chart entries (I don’t trust its “intelligence” over mine yet). I can, however, see its potential for a more efficient patient care day.

About the same time this spring, I had the honor of participating in NSUCO’s commencement, reciting the “Optometric Oath” from stage with the class of 2026. The graduates’ enthusiasm for our Profession was palpable. As a parent of two collegians navigating their respective career paths, I hear parents and young adults alike discussing professions that are “AI-proof.” It is a legitimate concern. As I survey Optometry from both 35,000 feet and boots on the ground, iPad in hand, I would surmise our profession to be “AI-resistant.” Patients appreciate Physician-level education and experience, and there are certain safeguards defining Optometric health care in Florida. Having said such, the only sure-fire way to protect our Profession from invasive technology and modernize our clinical capacities:  Legislative action. When new procedural technologies emerge, it often requires legislative action in Tallahassee to allow optometrists to clinically utilize. Comparing the pace of technological advancement to that of the legislative process is immeasurable. That being stated, there is a strategic plan in place for the “modernization” of Florida Optometry in 2027. The biggest variable for legislative success is “resources.” It will take all of us, every one of us, to contribute to the cause. Optometry PAC is our modernization tool. Please consider a monthly contribution to modernize your profession before outside forces modernize it for us without any concern for optometry, nor the citizens of Florida.

As this is my last Insight article, I would like to thank the FOA membership family for the opportunity to captain the ship this past year. It has been an honor to lead our esteemed organization. I look forward to seeing all my colleagues at future Optometric events.

Nate Etten, O.D.

FOA President

“Artificial Intelligence” neither composed, nor contributed to the content of this article.