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Smartphone ophthalmoscopy: patient and student practitioner perceptions
1School of Health Sciences and Social Work, University of Portsmouth, St Michael's Building, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK. manbir.nagra@port.ac.uk.
Journal of Medical Systems
|December 5, 2019
Summary
Smartphone ophthalmoscopes offer a cheaper, more accessible alternative to traditional direct ophthalmoscopes for fundus examination. Students found the D-EYE smartphone device improved patient experience and teaching potential.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical Education Technology
Background:
- Direct ophthalmoscopy proficiency takes years; its single-viewer design hinders group teaching.
- Smartphone ophthalmoscopes allow simultaneous viewing, potentially enhancing peer-to-peer learning and reducing costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess optometry students' opinions on a smartphone ophthalmoscope (D-EYE) for fundus examination.
- To compare the D-EYE's usability against the traditional direct ophthalmoscope from student and patient perspectives.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-four optometry students evaluated the D-EYE and traditional ophthalmoscope.
- Participants completed surveys on handling, working distance, and patient experience, with examinations via undilated pupils.
Main Results:
- 92% preferred the D-EYE's longer working distance, 77% found it easier to handle, and 92% preferred the patient experience.
- However, only 43% preferred the D-EYE as practitioners, though it was seen as a valuable teaching tool.
Conclusions:
- Smartphone ophthalmoscopes like the D-EYE show promise as effective training aids complementing traditional ophthalmoscopy.
- The technology enhances the patient experience and offers advantages in teaching settings, despite some practitioner usability preferences for the traditional method.
