Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a future possibility. It is here, it is evolving rapidly, and it is already reshaping the way medicine is practised. However, as Katrina Ronne writes, conversations about AI at the recent Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) Skills Expo, were never centred on fear.
Across two days at the recent ASO Skills Expo, ophthalmologists, healthcare leaders, governance bodies, and industry representatives came together under the theme ‘AI and the Human Edge’ to explore what technological change means for healthcare professionals, and ophthalmology in particular.
The discussion consistently returned to a simple but important question: how do we harness the opportunities presented by AI while preserving the uniquely human qualities that sit at the heart of healthcare?
As the pace of technological advancement accelerates, it would be easy to become preoccupied with disruption. Instead, the Skills Expo highlighted the importance of understanding change, adapting to it, and helping shape it in ways that ultimately benefit patients, communities, and future generations.
This year’s Expo was our largest Skills Expo to date, and I was particularly proud to see the ASO team’s hard work reflected in the quality of the program and the engagement of attendees. It was an environment where meaningful conversations occurred and ideas were shared openly.
Those conversations reinforced the important role the ASO plays in connecting people, facilitating knowledge sharing, and supporting excellence across our profession.
Cataract Surgery Wet Lab
One of the highlights of this year’s program was the introduction of a small incision cataract surgery (SICS) wet lab. The technique is widely used in low-resource settings around the world and is often employed during overseas outreach and mission work.
While the wet lab provided valuable practical training, it also served as a reminder of the broader impact ophthalmologists can have. By equipping participants with skills relevant to overseas outreach programs, the session encouraged attendees to consider how their expertise can contribute to restoring sight in communities where access to care may be limited.
Expanding and Reframing
Another memorable moment came during the Leaders’ Breakfast, where the world’s first neuro futurist, Professor Joel Pearson, from the University of New South Wales, challenged us to think differently about artificial intelligence.
Much of the public discussion around AI focuses on risk, uncertainty, and disruption. Prof Pearson instead encouraged attendees to broaden their perspective and consider the possibilities AI may unlock. From accelerating scientific discovery and medical innovation to advancing robotics, transport, and exploration, he presented a vision of technology as a tool that can expand human capability rather than simply replace it.
Perhaps even more importantly, he spoke about the concept of reframing: the deliberate practice of identifying opportunities and lessons within situations that may initially seem difficult or overwhelming.
This idea resonated deeply. As healthcare professionals, we are navigating rapid technological, economic, and societal change. Developing the ability to reframe challenges may prove to be one of the most valuable skills we can cultivate.
The Skills Expo, held in June, also highlighted another factor that often determines organisational success but receives far less attention than technology: culture.
Throughout the program, speakers returned repeatedly to the role workplace culture plays in fostering engagement, innovation, and resilience. Strong cultures support better outcomes for staff and patients alike, while creating environments where people feel connected to a shared purpose.
This is something the ASO values deeply.
The culture within our organisation is reflected in the quality of our events, education programs, member services, and the commitment of the many people who contribute their time, expertise, and energy to advancing the profession.
Trust: The Foundation of Healthcare
Trust emerged as another important theme during the Expo.
Queensland Health Ombudsman Janet Anderson reminded attendees that trust remains the foundation of healthcare. While technologies and treatment approaches may evolve, the fundamental relationship between practitioner and patient remains unchanged.
Her message was clear: professional standards matter, care must be tailored to individual patient needs, and every patient deserves to be treated with respect.
Ms Anderson also described near misses as “golden opportunities” to examine processes, learn from mistakes, and drive continuous improvement. Her remarks reinforced the importance of remaining curious and adapting to changing patient expectations.
As I reflect on this year’s Skills Expo, I am encouraged by the profession’s willingness to engage thoughtfully with change. The discussions were not characterised by resistance or pessimism. Instead, they reflected a profession committed to learning, adapting, and leading.
AI will undoubtedly continue to transform our profession. Yet the conversations on the Gold Coast served as a powerful reminder that some qualities remain uniquely human: judgement, empathy, curiosity, trust, and the ability to connect with others.
As technology advances, these qualities will become more important and our challenge will be to strengthen the human edge that sits at the centre of exceptional patient care.
Katrina Ronne is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists.
