Evaluating Ergonomics Training in Ophthalmology Residency: A Pilot Study

Background Slit lamp examinations (SLEs) require sustained visual focus and precise positioning, often performed repeatedly during clinical encounters. Without formal ergonomics training, residents may develop poor posture habits early in training. Targeted educational interventions during residency may offer an opportunity to promote safer examination techniques, support occupational health, and strengthen healthcare system safety by reducing provider injury risk and practice disruption. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effect of a structured ergonomics education protocol on the posture of ophthalmology residents performing SLEs. Methodology In this single-center pilot quality improvement study conducted from July 27, 2023, to February 28, 2024, resident posture was assessed during SLEs using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scale, where higher scores indicate greater musculoskeletal risk. Seven ophthalmology residents from Westchester Medical Center were recruited for the study. Residents were evaluated at baseline and randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 3) or an intervention group (n = 4). The intervention group completed an American Academy of Ophthalmology-derived ergonomics training program, while the control group received no additional training. Post-intervention REBA scores were collected and analyzed using a linear mixed regression model accounting for repeated measures, with statistical significance defined as α of 0.05. Results A total of 143 SLEs (n = 143 patients) were included in our study. Mean REBA scores significantly decreased in the intervention group (n = 85 SLEs, p < 0.0001), while no significant change was observed in the control group (n = 58 SLEs, p = 0.4). Conclusions An ergonomics education intervention was associated with improved resident posture during SLEs. These findings support the feasibility and potential value of incorporating structured, low-cost ergonomics training into ophthalmology residency curricula. This intervention may also be transferable to other procedural specialties seeking to promote occupational health and sustainable practice habits during postgraduate medical training.