1 Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India-203201
2 Department of Optometry, University Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India-140413
3 Department of Optometry, School of Allied and Healthcare Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Jatni, Khurda Road, Odisha, India
*Corresponding Author: Labishetty Sai Charan, ORCID: 0000-0001-7983-7169
Email: charansai184@gmail.com
Received: 20th Feb, 2026 | Revised: 4th Mar, 2026 | Accepted: 25th Mar, 2026 | Available Online: 10th Apr, 2026
Objective: To evaluate myopia control intervention preferences, perceived barriers, and artificial intelligence (AI) readiness among Indian eye care practitioners (ECPs).
Methods: A pre-validated, self-administered, internet-based questionnaire comprising 30 items across four domains—demographics, myopia intervention knowledge and prescribing patterns, perceived barriers, and AI readiness—was distributed to optometrists and ophthalmologists across India between January and April 2026. Content validity was established through expert panel review (S-CVI/Ave = 0.92). Reliability was confirmed via pilot testing (n = 30; Cronbach's α = 0.87). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression (SPSS v26.0).
Results: Of 412 valid responses from 24 states/UTs, single-vision spectacles remained the most prescribed intervention (67.2%) despite being perceived as the least efficacious (5.2 ± 8.4%), revealing a significant knowledge-practice gap. Low-dose atropine was perceived most efficacious pharmacologically (48.6 ± 22.3%) but prescribed by only 23.1% (χ² = 34.72, p < 0.001). Regarding AI, 62.1% were aware of AI applications in myopia, but only 28.6% expressed willingness to adopt AI tools. Younger age (<35 years; OR = 2.84), postgraduate qualification (OR = 3.21), and urban practice (OR = 2.16) were significant predictors of AI readiness (all p < 0.01). Cost (72.8%), regulatory ambiguity (58.3%), and insufficient training (54.6%) were the top barriers.
Conclusion: Indian ECPs demonstrate awareness of evidence-based myopia control but face a persistent knowledge-practice gap. AI readiness remains limited and is strongly influenced by age, qualification, and practice setting. Integrating AI literacy into myopia management training is essential to bridge this translational gap.
Keywords: Myopia control, artificial intelligence, low-dose atropine, orthokeratology, eye care practitioners, survey, India, AI readiness, knowledge-practice gap.
How to cite this article: Kumar N, Sai Charan L, Rani T, Swagatika S. Artificial Intelligence Readiness and Myopia Control Intervention Preferences Among Indian Eye Care Practitioners: A National Cross-Sectional Survey. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(29s):101. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.29s.13
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.