Integrating AI, imaging innovations and omics for precision medicine

The field of ophthalmology stands on the precipice of a revolutionary transformation, driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced imaging techniques and multi-omics (figure 1). The rapid advancements in these domains, paired with the growing emphasis on precision medicine, are reshaping not only how we diagnose and treat ocular diseases but also how we conceptualise the future of personalised healthcare in this critical specialty.
While these innovations offer unprecedented promise, they also present challenges that require careful consideration. As the lines between human
expertise, machine intelligence and biological data continue to blur, the ethical, clinical and practical implications warrant serious scrutiny.

In this editorial, we focus on three interrelated questions: (1) how the benefits
and control of AI should be balanced in ophthalmic practice, (2) to what extent
increasingly rich imaging and omics data may enable identification of individual patients and (3) how the ophthalmic workforce must adapt as AI systems become more autonomous and influential.