The Next Wave in Oculoplastics: Enhancing Patient Care and Transforming Education

Oculoplastic practice is undergoing rapid transformation driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), imaging technologies, and surgical innovation. In patient care, AI-enabled image analysis supports earlier, objective detection of periocular and orbital pathology—including automated assessment of proptosis, eyelid position, and radiologic features in thyroid eye disease—augmenting diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making. Machine learning-based predictive models are increasingly explored for risk stratification, surgical planning, and outcome forecasting, offering new possibilities for data-driven, personalized care that adapts to individual patient profiles and disease trajectories. Concurrently, clinical management continues to evolve with refinements in minimally invasive techniques, targeted immunotherapies for periocular malignancies and inflammatory orbitopathy, image-guided surgery, novel biomaterials, and three-dimensional reconstructive strategies optimizing functional and aesthetic outcomes. Critically, the gap between technological innovation and real-world clinical adoption remains to be systematically addressed.In parallel, AI-powered Chatbots and large language models are emerging as scalable educational tools, providing case-based reasoning support, adaptive feedback, and continuous access to curated knowledge. These systems complement Entrustable Professional Activity–based curricula and strengthen clinical reasoning development. However, evidence linking these advancements to measurable improvements in trainee performance or patient safety remains limited, warranting further investigation.This Research Topic aims to advance the integration of artificial intelligence, innovative therapeutics, and educational reform within contemporary oculoplastic practice. Building on emerging applications of AI in diagnostics, clinical decision support, and surgical planning, we seek to curate high-quality evidence that critically evaluates their impact on diagnostic accuracy, patient safety, workflow efficiency, and patient-centred outcomes. We also aim to showcase advances in the medical and surgical management of eyelid, lacrimal, and orbital disorders, including translational research and technique refinement that enhance functional and aesthetic results, with an emphasis on comparative effectiveness and long-term durability.Concurrently, this issue will highlight the transformative role of AI-powered chatbots and technology-enhanced curricula in supporting knowledge acquisition, clinical reasoning development, and competency-based training. By uniting innovations in patient care and education, this collection aspires to define the next standards of excellence in oculoplastics.We invite submissions that advance innovation in oculoplastic patient care and education. Manuscripts may include original clinical or translational research, diagnostic accuracy studies, surgical technique reports, outcomes research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, educational interventions, and perspective articles. Topics of interest include:• AI applications in periocular and orbital diagnostics;• Decision-support systems, predictive modelling, and surgical planning; • Advances in management of eyelid, lacrimal, and orbital disorders, including novel medical and surgical therapies and outcome assessment; • Technology-enhanced educational strategies, including AI-powered tutoring systems and competency-based curricula. All submissions should demonstrate methodological rigor, ethical compliance, and clinical relevance. Studies involving human participants must include appropriate institutional approval and informed consent where applicable. Authors are encouraged to emphasize implications for patient safety, functional and aesthetic outcomes, and workforce development. Manuscripts will undergo standard peer review in accordance with Frontiers in Medicine guidelines. Topic editors: CC Yip, Huifang Zhou, Yunhai Tu, Ho-Seok Sa Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79717/the-next-wave-in-oculoplastics-enhancing-patient-care-and-transforming-education