An exploratory ergonomic evaluation of musculoskeletal risks for ophthalmic photographers who use ophthalmic imaging equipment plus user equipment trials

Abstract

Purpose

An evaluation of musculoskeletal risks for users of ophthalmic imaging equipment and subsequent trials based on recommendations by an Ergonomist.

Methods

An advertisement was posted on ophthalmic imaging social media sites, requesting photographers, who are experiencing pain or discomfort when using the imaging equipment, to contact the author. Responders received a questionnaire that created a profile of the working habits, equipment used, and location of discomfort using diagrams of the torso and hands. The author contacted the Centre for Occupational Health and Wellbeing in Oxford for recommendations and assessment of the imaging equipment. Trials were conducted at the Oxford Eye Hospital imaging department following recommendations by an Ergonomist.

Discussion

Our research has indicated that the number of imaging procedures carried out by a photographer over the duration of their career, may be the key to calculating the risk factors for developing Musculoskeletal Disorders. Ergonomist recommendations include increasing awareness of wrist and hand pain, so it can be treated early with implementation of risk assessment for working practices, as trials carried out at the imaging department in Oxford have shown that small changes contribute to reducing identified risks.

Keywords:

• Ophthalmic
• photographer
• muscular skeletal disorder
• OCT

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Lewis Smith and the ophthalmic imaging team in Oxford for their involvement in making the recommendations and for participating in the audits and for all the photographers who took part in the ergonomic evaluation questionnaire.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).