AI Coach Helps Eye Patients Stay on Track

An experiment tested a new chatbot called E. M. M. A that works through WhatsApp. The bot tracks eye symptoms, gives medical tips and lifestyle advice. Patients in a UK eye clinic used it for two months. Eighty‑three people talked with the bot, creating 446 chat sessions. About a third of those were voice messages. A small group of users sent most messages, while many returned for more chats. The main questions were about eye health and symptoms.After the trial, most users said they liked the service. Eighty‑eight percent were satisfied or very happy. Most would recommend it to friends, but a few felt uneasy during use. Two glaucoma experts checked the bot’s answers and found them over ninety‑five percent correct in every area. People saw the chatbot as a helpful backup when they could not see a doctor right away. The study suggests that AI helpers can fill gaps between clinic visits and give patients constant, tailored support.