Artificial intelligence isn’t on the horizon. It’s in your lane, right now, and is fast becoming the backbone of modern eye care. 

Here’s the real question: Are you ahead of this shift — or already behind it? 

In this forward-looking episode of Power Hour, host Eugene Shatsman is joined by Dr. Scot Morris and Dr. Rehan Ahmed — practitioners, AI innovators, and co-editors of the acclaimed AI in Eyecare journal. These aren’t theorists, they’re clinicians embedded in the tech that’s actively shaping the future of optometry. 

AI isn’t something to “think about later.” It’s already helping practices reclaim 8–12 hours per week in documentation, reduce no-shows with AI scheduling assistants, and enhance diagnostic precision at scale. 

Drs. Morris and Ahmed break down the tools that are working now — and the ones on the verge of mainstream rollout. Think voice-enabled scribes, AI-powered prior authorizations, EHR-integrated large-language models, and receptionists that don’t just book appointments but help manage intake and triage automatically. 

Here’s what everyone’s asking — and what you need to know: 

• How should optometrists evaluate AI tools being marketed to them? 
• What liabilities or blind spots should practices be aware of? 
• How does AI change the relationship between patients and providers? 

This conversation goes deeper than tools. They unpack the leadership gap that’s keeping practices stagnant, the cultural resistance slowing down innovation, and how you can take advantage of these breakthroughs without becoming a tech expert yourself. You’ll hear stories of how AI tools are reducing burnout, creating more space for personalized care, and even enabling more time for actual human connection. 

For any optometrist who’s ever felt overwhelmed by AI, or wondered how to start implementing it meaningfully — this episode is the start. No hype. No jargon. Just clear, actionable insight from two pioneers helping shape the next chapter of our profession. 

• AI Tools You Can Use Now: From ambient scribes to adaptive scheduling, discover what’s already improving workflow and patient experience. 
• What’s Coming Fast: Learn what’s just months away — like automated prior auths, decision-support agents, and real-time patient feedback through wearable tech. 
• From Hype to Impact: See how real-world ODs are using AI to reduce burnout, reclaim time, and boost efficiency without losing clinical control. 
• AI’s True Role: It’s not replacing doctors, it’s removing friction so you can lead, grow, and care better. 
• Clinical Accuracy Unlocked: Hear how AI is supporting diagnosis, cutting errors, and making complex cases more manageable — without overwhelming your team. 
• Why Now Matters: AI in optometry isn’t coming, it’s already here. Early adopters are gaining a major edge. 

• 00:00 – Introduction 
• 02:20 – The Current State of AI in Eyecare: Hype vs. Reality 
• 03:21 – How AI is Already Improving Clinical Documentation and Education 
• 08:46 – Where AI Fits In: Patient Experience, Diagnostics, and Admin 
• 14:31 – Why Optometrists Need to Lead — Not Wait — in Adopting Tech 
• 21:21 – The Ethics and Risks of AI in Clinical Settings 
• 28:01 – AI Myths Debunked and Leadership Mindset Advice 
• 35:01 – The Future of Augmented Eye Care 
• 42:01 – Final Thoughts on Innovation, Growth, and Next-Gen Patient Care 

Connect with Dr. Rehan Ahmed

Dr. Rehan Ahmed is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over 15 years of experience in comprehensive eye care, encompassing both medical and surgical treatments. He earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, completed his internship at the University of Texas, and his ophthalmology residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. 

Dr. Ahmed serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Blink, a startup focused on remote ocular health care, and is the co-editor of AI in Eye Care, a publication dedicated to tracking AI innovations in the vision care field. His work bridges clinical practice and technological innovation, aiming to enhance patient care through AI-driven solutions. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rehan-ahmed-md/  

Website: https://aiineyecare.com/  

Connect with Dr. Scot Morris 

Dr. Scot Morris is an optometrist with over 25 years of clinical experience, recognized for his leadership in integrating technology into eye care practices. He is the co-editor of AI in Eye Care, a journal providing insights into AI applications in the vision care industry. 

Dr. Morris has served as the Chief Optometric Editor for Optometric Management and is the founder of Morris Education & Consulting Associates. He is also the Chief Development Officer of Augmented Medical Intelligence, focusing on developing AI solutions to enhance clinical workflows and patient outcomes. Dr. Morris’s work emphasizes the practical implementation of AI to improve efficiency and care quality in optometric practices. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotmorris/  

Website: https://aiineyecare.com/  

Connect with Eugene Shatsman:

Website – https://www.eugeneshatsman.com/

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeneshatsman