Cutting-Edge Eye Care Technologies Highlighted at SECO 2025

The Southeastern Congress of Optometry 2025 is being hosted in Atlanta, Georgia, from February 26 to March 2. | Image credit: Skylar Jeremias

Cutting-edge surgical technologies, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven advancements, and wearable innovations are set to revolutionize eye care by improving disease detection, treatment accuracy, and patient outcomes, according to panelists during the keynote session at Southeastern Congress of Optometry (SECO) 2025.¹

To open the discussion, Julie Rodman, OD, MSc, FAAO, professor of optometry and chief of the Primary Care Broward clinic at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, discussed the growing prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the role of genetic and lifestyle factors in disease progression. She introduced the idea of a genetic test that assesses both genetic predisposition and other risk factors to help patients and clinicians predict the likelihood of AMD development.

Additionally, she highlighted the importance of home monitoring devices, such as home optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices, which allow for early detection of disease progression. Rodman also introduced photobiomodulation therapy using a noninvasive light delivery system that utilizes low-level light therapy to slow AMD progression and improve retinal health, with promising clinical trial results.

Lawrence Woodard, MD, an ophthalmologist and medical director of Omni Eye Services of Atlanta, shifted the discussion to the role of AI in cataract surgery, emphasizing its ability to improve patient identification, streamline appointment scheduling, and enhance surgical precision. He detailed how AI-powered scribes could integrate with electronic health record systems to automate documentation, significantly reducing the administrative burden for clinicians.

"It's amazing the options that are out there for our patients as we move forward." - Chris Wroten, OD, optometrist at Southern College of Optometry

Woodard also explored the use of AI-enabled imaging systems to refine cataract surgery planning, with technologies like intraoperative aberrometry ensuring more accurate refractive outcomes for patients. He highlighted advancements in cataract surgery techniques, particularly customizable procedures that leverage light-adjustable intraocular lenses (IOLs) and femtosecond laser technology. These innovations, he noted, enable surgeons to make precise postoperative adjustments, improving vision outcomes by up to 80%.² He introduced premium IOLs such as emerging shape-changing/modular IOLs, which provide patients with improved vision quality and reduced glare.

Walter Mayo, OD, an optometrist at Coastal Eye Group, elaborated on cutting-edge visualization tools enhancing cataract surgery, including digital microscope systems. These technologies offer improved depth perception and high-resolution imaging, allowing surgeons to achieve greater accuracy during procedures.

Mayo also highlighted the growing role of exoscopes and virtual reality–assisted visualization in surgical training and precision. He discussed the potential of fully robotic cataract surgery, acknowledging regulatory challenges but emphasizing the promise of AI-driven automation in handling certain aspects of the procedure, reducing variability, and improving efficiency.

He urged clinical practices to find new AI tools to improve efficiency. “In a few years, we're really going to be in a pickle... because there are going to be more patients available than there will be surgeons to perform the surgery, and we're going to need ways to improve efficiency and improve the number of procedures that can be performed.”

Chris Wroten, OD, an optometrist at Southern College of Optometry, provided insights into the evolution of wearable technology in eye care, covering innovations such as smart glasses and contact lenses integrated with AI. He explained how these devices could enhance vision correction, assist visually impaired patients, and even replace traditional assistive technologies like seeing-eye dogs.

Wroten emphasized the importance of embracing wearable technology as part of the future of optometry, particularly as AI-driven applications such as Microsoft Seeing AI and Be My Eyes improve accessibility and patient independence. He also discussed the potential for AI models like ChatGPT and Grok3 to personalize patient education and streamline communication between clinicians and patients.

Woodard returned to discuss AI’s role in ophthalmology beyond surgery, highlighting its impact on patient management and compliance. He covered AI-powered analytics for personalized treatment regimens and patient engagement tools that enhance adherence through reminders and monitoring. Woodard also introduced advancements in IOLs, including lenses for natural accommodation and lenses for enhanced near vision, and dynamic options like an AI-powered electroactive liquid crystal optic, which could revolutionize presbyopia treatment.

The session concluded with a call to action from Wroten, who encouraged eye care professionals to stay informed about these advancements and integrate emerging technologies into their practices.

“It's amazing the options that are out there for our patients as we move forward. I think the opportunities to enhance quality of life are far beyond the challenges that we face as a profession. So be open to change. Be that innovator. Be the driver of change. Bring your patients some of these opportunities to enhance their quality of life, because it'll increase your quality of satisfaction as a caregiver, and your practice will benefit as well.”

References

1. Rodman J, Woodard L, Mayo W, Wroten C. Keynote session: expansion of eyecare: what's new and what's next? Presented at: SECO 2025; February 26-March 2, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia.

2. Hillman L. Latest lessons learned with the light adjustable lens. ASCRS Eye World. Winter 2024. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.eyeworld.org/2024/latest-lessons-learned-with-the-light-adjustable-lens/?utm_source=chatgpt.com