Author summary Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve glaucoma screening and management, but its success relies on how clinicians view and accept it, especially in regions with limited resources like Eastern Europe. This study investigates the awareness, trust, and expectations of AI in glaucoma care among ophthalmologists in Bulgaria, and how factors like age, gender, and professional experience shape these views. We conducted a survey from March to May 2024 with 156 ophthalmologists and residents, using a validated questionnaire based on the Technology Acceptance Model to gauge their perspectives through Likert-scale questions and open-ended responses. Our findings reveal varied levels of AI awareness, with less experienced clinicians being more informed. Overall trust in AI for diagnosis and treatment remains low, though younger participants express greater optimism about its benefits. Gender differences emerged, with males showing more distrust in AI diagnostics, and qualitative feedback emphasized AI’s value in diagnostics while highlighting concerns over inadequate training and ethical issues. These results indicate a cautious optimism toward AI adoption in Bulgarian glaucoma care, influenced by demographic factors, and underscore the importance of tailored education programs to foster trust and ensure equitable integration of AI tools in clinical practice.
Citation: Radeva MN, Hristova E, Georgiev RT, Zlatarova ZI (2026) Awareness, trust, and expectations of AI for glaucoma care among Bulgarian ophthalmologists: Role of demographic factors. PLOS Digit Health 5(1): e0001199. https://doi.org/10.1371/jour… [25373 chars]
Source: PLOS (Public Library of Science) | Published: 2026-01-22T00:00:00Z
Credit: PLOS (Public Library of Science)
