Ranya Habash

About Ranya Habash

What major industry/global trends are catching your attention right now?

One of the most significant trends shaping the healthcare and ophthalmic landscape is precision medicine. Using AI, data science, and digital technology, we can detect eye and systemic diseases earlier than ever before, so we can intervene before irreparable damage occurs. We can also use predictive AI modeling to anticipate disease trends, resulting in personalized medicine. We’ve been using this technology for years in financial market strategy and manufacturing, so I look forward to this concept becoming the standard of care in medicine too. With AI and digital tools playing a pivotal role in democratizing access to eye care, we can enable more proactive and preventative health for patients around the world.

In what ways do you think AI and machine learning will impact ophthalmic innovation?

AI and machine learning are already redefining ophthalmic innovation across multiple dimensions. First, the evolution of autonomous diagnostic systems is making early detection of diseases more accessible and efficient. This is not just for eye disease, but for systemic issues like neurologic disease, cardiovascular disease, and mental health conditions too. These technologies can significantly reduce the global burden of preventable blindness and promote whole-body health by ensuring timely intervention.

Second, AI-driven imaging analysis is enhancing the precision of diagnostics, allowing for more nuanced and personalized treatment plans. AI is also instrumental in developing predictive models that can identify at-risk populations and anticipate disease progression for a precision medicine approach to health.

Furthermore, AI is streamlining clinical workflows, optimizing resource allocation, and accelerating drug discovery processes, which can shorten the time from innovation to patient impact. Ultimately, AI is not just a tool for efficiency but a catalyst for entirely new models of care that are more accessible, equitable, and outcomes-focused.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

As Steve Jobs once said, “You can only connect the dots looking back.” As such, I would advise my younger self to “stay hungry and foolish” (another Steve Jobs-ism) to embrace curiosity, passion, and take risks. The journey through medicine and innovation is rarely linear, and the willingness to take risks and learn from setbacks is as valuable as celebrating successes. With this, I would remind myself to stay grounded in purpose. Pursuing innovations that genuinely improve patient outcomes and democratize healthcare access will always be my guiding light.