An experimental training support framework for eye fundus examination skill development

Abstract

The eye fundus examination consists of viewing the back of the eye using specialised ophthalmoscopy equipment and techniques that allow a medical examiner to determine the condition of the eye. Recent technological advances in immersive and interactive technologies are providing tools that can be employed to complement traditional medical training methods and techniques. To overcome some of the issues associated with traditional eye examination approaches, our work is examining the application of consumer-level virtual reality technologies to eye fundus examination. Here, we present a cost-effective virtual-reality eye fundus examination virtual simulation tool. Results of a preliminary usability study indicate that the virtual simulation tool provides trainees the opportunity to obtain a greater understanding of the physiological changes within the eye in an interactive, immersive, and engaging manner.

Keywords:

• Virtual reality
• eye examination
• ophthalmoscope
• virtual simulation

Notes

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Discovery Grants to Bill Kapralos and Michael Jenkin; Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, IMMERSe Partnership Grant; Research Institute of Electronics (RIE), Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Japan, 2016 Cooperative Research Project at Research Center of Biomedical Engineering and Research Institute of Electronics, Shizuoka University.