Elysia Jongue1, Hema Karthik2

Purpose: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, have amplified in 2023. ChatGPT generates sophisticated responses across a wide range of topics, when prompted with a question. Its role as a teaching tool in medical education is emerging. We tested and evaluated ChatGPT in describing a tap and inject technique that could be used as a basic guide for ophthalmology trainees.

Methods: A serious of questions were input into ChatGPT to obtain a tap and inject technique for endophthalmitis. Questions input into ChatGPT aimed to generate a list of items required to perform the procedure, preparation of intravitreal antibiotics, and the procedure steps. Responses from ChatGPT were then verified against RANZCO’s published, “Guidelines for Performing Intravitreal Therapy: Endophthalmitis pack”.

Results: ChatGPT described a basic tap and inject technique for endophthalmitis, including the procedural items required as well an accurate dilutional preparation of intravitreal antibiotics. Compared to RANZCO’s published guide, ChatGPT’s initial technique did not include subconjunctival local anaesthetic injection,
nor laboratory analysis of the aspirated sample. Subsequent targeted questions into ChatGPT produced responses describing local anaesthetic techniques options, and the laboratory analysis required of the aspirate. ChatGPT also described generic post-procedure care of patients.

Conclusion: ChatGPT is a powerful AI writer able describe a basic tap and inject procedure for endophthalmitis, with appropriate input data. ChatGPT can be used to augment education and training of ophthalmology trainees when prompted with ophthalmic-theme input, where its applications are wide. However, its output should not be used in place of appropriate clinical judgement.