Automated decision making: the role of expert computer systems in the future of optometry.
BACKGROUND
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of a machine, or system, or computer program to make intelligent decisions using the same methods that humans would use. By definition, and expert system (ES) is a computer program that uses knowledge and inference procedures to solve problems which would otherwise require the application of human expertise.


METHODS
The role of expert systems in current and future applications in a number of fields were reviewed.


RESULTS
Expert systems have and will be making an impact in many fields, including optometry in the future.


CONCLUSIONS
Expert systems present an opportunity for the profession of optometry to become more efficient or accurate, provided that their development cost could be justified.
Madsen
E M
EM
Pacific University, College of Optometry, Forest Grove, OR 97116.
Kaminski
M S
MS
Yolton
R L
RL
D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D003199:Computer Systems; D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D005103:Expert Systems; D006801:Humans; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D009907:Optometry