dm health offerings: Doctors criticize AI skin analysis and eye screening

Karlsruhe. The drugstore chain dm has defended new health services such as eye screenings and skin analyses in its stores against criticism from medical associations. Some of the services are performed by medical specialists, explained dm's Managing Director for Marketing and Procurement, Sebastian Bayer. He cited the review of retinal images for abnormalities as an example. Such services are now also available at some optician chains, for example.

An AI-supported skin analysis, which determines skin type and condition, is not a medical examination or diagnosis, Bayer explained: "Customers are transparently informed throughout the entire process that no medical treatment is provided, but only recommendations for skin care and suitable products are given."

The Karlsruhe-based company has recently started offering these services in some of its branches and online, working with partner companies.

The German professional associations of ophthalmologists and dermatologists have published detailed critical statements on the subject. Among other things, they question professional standards, warn against uncertainty in the case of erroneous findings, criticize the advertising aspect, and point out that, in case of doubt, problems could arise in dermatologists' or ophthalmologists' offices due to shortages of staff.

"Their marketing promises to ease the burden on the healthcare system are unlikely to be fulfilled," says the German Association of Ophthalmologists. "As soon as customers receive abnormal results, they seek ophthalmological services." Because from then on, or in cases of uncertainty, only an examination by an ophthalmologist can provide clarity.

RND/dpa