Low-cost fundoscopy simulation for everyone? Evaluation of knowledge gain and student satisfaction with the Kyoto...

To evaluate the influence of a relatively low-cost fundoscopy simulator, the Kyoto Kagaku model for direct ophthalmoscopy (DO), on the subjective learning experience and objective knowledge gain of medical students at Saarland University Medical Centre, Homburg, Germany.

Medical students were enrolled in a physical examination course on ophthalmoscopy and ophthalmoscopically visible pathologies. The course consisted of a theoretical part, an introduction to the practical basics of DO using the Kyoto Kagaku fundoscopy simulator, and a mutual examination of real eyes (the classical DO course). They filled out two questionnaires - one on their subjective learning experience immediately after the course and another on objective clinical knowledge in direct ophthalmoscopy (DO), completed before the start of DO training and one week later.

The medical students showed a significant gain in knowledge after the course with the Kyoto Kagaku fundoscopy simulator (P<0.001). Specific anatomical structures in the fundus were significantly more often identified during the simulator training compared to the classical DO course (P<0.001). Forty-seven percent of the medical students preferred a simulator-based course only, 23% a classical DO course and 30% a combination of both.

Simulator-based training is a valuable tool for teaching DO skills to medical students (and aspiring resident physicians). Hands-on courses using the Kyoto Kagaku fundoscopy simulator have been successful in increasing medical students' interest in medical simulation and ophthalmology. This model, known for its relatively low cost, is a good immersive tool for teaching the basics of direct fundoscopic examination and various retinal pathologies.