Abstract:  ChatGPT, a pre-trained generative large language model, is set to revolutionize traditional medical practices by significantly enhancing efficiency and quality. In the field of ophthalmology, ChatGPT functions as an auxiliary tool for education, diagnosis, and medical record-keeping, additionally providing comprehensive, detailed, and guideline-compliant practical guidance for patients with eye diseases. However, potential limitations and risks associated with AI hallucinations, data security, privacy protection, transparency in model development, and ethical concerns persist. These necessitate human supervision by physicians during its use. Therefore, ophthalmologists must understand the performance and capabilities of ChatGPT, adeptly leverage its unique features, and remain vigilant to its potential risks. (Ophthalmol CHN, 2024, 33: 241-244)

Key words: ChatGPT, large language model, ophthalmology, artificial intelligence