Enhancing Undergraduate Ophthalmology Teaching Through Virtual Reality: Integrating the Eyesi Direct Ophthalmoscopy...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Education
• Simulation Technology

Background:

• Ophthalmoscopy is crucial for medical exams, but students lack confidence and competence.
• Limited teaching and patient access hinder skill development.
• Simulation-based education offers a solution for deliberate practice and safe skill acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Eyesi Direct Ophthalmoscopy simulator's educational impact.
• To assess its effect on medical students' confidence and perceived competence in fundoscopy.

Main Methods:

• 122 undergraduate medical students participated in a two-hour workshop.
• Hands-on practice with the Eyesi simulator, examining normal and pathological fundi.
• Anonymous online questionnaire assessed confidence, learning effectiveness, and engagement.

Main Results:

• 98% of students felt confident performing ophthalmoscopy post-training.
• 100% reported increased competence and recommended simulator integration.
• Qualitative feedback emphasized realism, repeated practice, and immediate feedback.

Conclusions:

• The Eyesi simulator effectively teaches ophthalmic examination skills.
• It enhances confidence and diagnostic competence while reducing anxiety.
• Wider adoption of VR simulation is supported for undergraduate ophthalmology training.