Virtual Reality Visual Field Testing Reduces Visit Duration in a Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic

To evaluate the visit time in a neuro-ophthalmology clinic by comparing virtual reality visual field (VRVF) testing versus the standard Humphrey visual field (HVF) and the influence of the technician's learning curve.

Data from 66 patients were included in the initial phase of the study (baseline), and data from a new cohort (n = 66) were collected six months later. Participants were divided into two age- and diagnosis-matched groups: those who underwent an ophthalmic technician workup using VRVF testing (n = 33) and those whose workup included HVF testing (n = 33). Total clinic visit duration and technician workup time were recorded independently for new patient and follow-up visits. Statistical comparisons were conducted between the two groups at both time points: baseline and six months.

The mean age was 47.6 ± 21.7 years (65.2% female) at baseline and 47.9 ± 21.1 years (66.7% female) at 6 months. Technician workup time for follow-up visits was significantly shorter when using VRVF at both the baseline (p < 0.0001) and 6-month time points (p < 0.0001), compared to HVF. For new patient visits, workup time at baseline was comparable between methods (VRVF: 70.3 ± 19.8 min; HVF: 73.5 ± 9.1 min; p > 0.05), but time was significantly reduced at 6 months when using the VRVF (59.9 ± 17.1 min vs. 96.6 ± 16.0 min; p < 0.0001), likely due to the technician learning effect.

The use of VRVF in neuro-ophthalmology clinics improved workflow by reducing technician workup time for new and follow-up patient visits. Consistent results across two time points underscore the role of VRVF testing in streamlining clinic visits and alleviating high patient volume pressures.