During Vision Expo West 2025, David Kading, OD, FAAO, owner of several optometric practices in the Seattle area, led a course on integrating artificial intelligence (AI), virtual scribes, and digital teams into the optometric practice. EB checked in with Dr. Kading to gain further insight on what this means for eyecare professionals and how they can incorporate AI into practice.
Eyecare Business: What would you say to an ECP who may be apprehensive about incorporating AI technology into their practice?
David Kading, OD, FAAO: AI and virtual support aren’t about replacing people—they’re about reducing the drag that keeps doctors and staff from focusing on patient care. Many of us spend nearly half our time on admin tasks. Offloading charting, billing, recalls, or scheduling through AI or virtual team support gives us back hours every week to spend with patients. The key is to start small—pick one or two low-risk roles, pilot them, and track the results. Once ECPs see the improved efficiency and morale, the apprehension quickly shifts to opportunity.
EB: How do you see these digital offerings evolving in the optometric space in the next five to 10 years?
Dr. Kading: We’re already seeing AI scribes that cut charting time in half, digital intake that flows directly into EHRs, and predictive analytics that anticipate no-shows. Over the next decade, these tools will become HIPAA-compliant, seamlessly integrated, and far more accessible. Practices will move toward hybrid models—leaner in-office teams supported by AI and virtual staff. That combination will allow ECPs to scale services, deliver a higher patient experience, and maintain profitability despite workforce shortages and wage inflation. The reality is that we can hardly imagine what the implications will truly be in the next fice years, let alone 10. Our profession will be totally different in five to 10 years because of these resources.
EB: Can you share a specific success story on integrating AI, a virtual scribe, and/or a digital team into your eyecare practice?
Dr. Kading: My practice, struggling with turnover, hired a virtual scribe and billing support. We were missing 50% of all our calls. Within 60 days, this totally turned around. Now with the use of scribes, the amount of time that doctors are spending on charting has dramatically changed. The virtual team didn’t just fill gaps—it stabilized the culture and allowed the practice to focus on growth.
EB: As these digital-based offerings continue to advance and become more widely accepted, how can ECPs ensure that there is still a solid human connection with patients?
Dr. Kading: The human connection comes from being fully present in the exam room. This is not happening in most offices today because of the burden of the EHR. If AI and virtual teams handle the paperwork, phone calls, and follow-ups, doctors can spend more time making eye contact, asking questions, and building trust. Patients don’t judge us by how fast we type—they judge us by how heard and cared for they feel. Digital tools strengthen human connection when they’re used to free up the clinician’s time and attention.
EB: What’s the main takeaway you want attendees to leave this course with?
Dr. Kading: Stop thinking of AI and virtual teams as optional. Rising costs and staffing shortages make the old model unsustainable. The practices that thrive will be hybrid—leveraging AI, virtual scribes, and digital staff to reduce overhead, improve morale, and keep the patient at the center. The main message is this: don’t wait until you’re in crisis. Start with one role, track your KPIs, and build a team that scales with you.