[More than just technology: autonomous AI in ophthalmological care].

Autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) systems are finding their way into ophthalmological care, particularly in imaging diagnostics (fundus photographs, OCT) and screening set-ups; however, the term "autonomous" is used inconsistently in routine clinical practice: in addition to fully automated systems (AI only decisions), care services are emerging in which doctors make the diagnosis but there is no direct doctor-patient contact (asynchronous diagnosis). These forms are ethically relevant because responsibilities, duties of disclosure, trust and the consequences of errors are different from those in a traditional consultation. This article categorizes autonomous care concepts, outlines potential clinical benefits and discusses key ethical and regulatory issues.