Self-reported Practice of Nigerian Ophthalmologists on Artificial Intelligence

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising human endeavours, particularly in health care, including ophthalmology. The use of AI by ophthalmologists needs to be established as a baseline and used to optimise AI benefits. Objective: This study investigates current AI practices among Nigerian ophthalmologists and identifies predictors of AI use among respondents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of Nigerian ophthalmologists on AI use in practice. Each participant completed a questionnaire via the KoboToolbox form. The questionnaire link was shared on the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) group WhatsApp and the prospective participants’ phones. 10 reminders were sent to the group WhatsApp and to prospective participants’ phones for 1 month (June 2024). Results: There were 115 ophthalmologists; 60 (52.2%) females, 55 (47.8%) males, mean age 47.1±11.6 (range: 27–74) years. Most were public servants (73.0%) working in urban facilities (74.8%). The majority engaged in comprehensive ophthalmology (79.2%), of whom (70.3%) also practiced other specialties. The majority reported poor use of AI (81.7%). Respondents reported using AI-based devices/software for research (42.6%), teaching 36 (31.3%), testing (27.8%), diagnosis (24.3%), treatment (11.3%), administration (11.3%), and outreach (9.6%). Most had practiced for≥10 years (67.8%) from the start of training, and many (45.2%) had practiced for> 10 years after qualifying (p=0.015). No associations were found between specialty areas and AI use. Longer practice duration predicted AI use: 20–29 years (AOR=14.0, 95% CI: 1.6- 126.2, p=0.019) and 30-40 years (AOR=17.3, 95% CI: 16.-184.4, 30–40 p=0.018). Conclusion: Ophthalmologists reported poor use of AI in practice. Longer duration of eye care practice increased the likelihood of AI use.