Adoptability of AI-based ROP screening may depend on commercial cost

Although it has the potential to be cost-effective compared with telemedicine and ophthalmoscopy, the ability to fully realize the benefits of artificial intelligence–based retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening in ophthalmology will depend on appropriate pricing, according to a study.

Using a theoretical cohort of infants requiring ROP screening in the United States each year (n = 52 000), researchers undertook a cost-effectiveness analysis of AI ROP screening compared with ophthalmoscopy and telemedicine.

Compared with telemedicine, AI-based ROP screening was cost-effective up to $7 and $34 for assistive and autonomous screening, respectively. Compared with ophthalmoscopy, AI-based ROP screening was cost-effective up to $64 and $91, respectively.

A probabilistic sensitivity analysis found that autonomous AI screening was more than 60% likely to be cost-effective at all willingness-to-pay levels compared with other modalities.

Reference
Morrison SL, Dukhovny D, Chan RP, et al. Cost-effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence–Based Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online March 17, 2022. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2022.0223