Virtual reality as a tool for teaching slit-lamp biomicroscopy

Session Details

Session Title: Training & Surgical Practice

Session Date/Time: Tuesday 25/09/2018 | 16:00-18:00

Paper Time: 16:36

Venue: Room A2

First Author: : S.Mamtora UK

Co Author(s): :    A. Ahmmed   H. Hasan   D. Leadbetter   M. El-Ashry           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Slit lamp examination is known to be a difficult skill to master. Proficiency in reliably identifying subtle pathology through slit-lamp biomicroscopy is often reported to be challenging by young ophthalmologists. Our study examined the potential of a virtual reality headset as a tool for teaching slit-lamp biomicroscopy.

Setting:

Ophthalmology department, Great Western Hospital, Swindon, UK.

Methods:

A commercially available virtual reality headset was interfaced to a slit-lamp using a beam-splitter and a video receiver. This configuration allowed for live video of slit-lamp biomicroscopy to be viewed through the headset. Ten videos captured using a slit-lamp camera, featuring a variety of common anterior and posterior segment pathologies, were played on the headset. This provided an authentic simulation of the live viewing experience. Videos were reviewed by 10 senior ophthalmologists who documented diagnoses for each video. Participants took part in semi-structured interviews to obtain viewpoints regarding potential uses for the headset and their experience of using the headset.

Results:

All 10 ophthalmologists were able to correctly identify all diagnoses as viewed through the virtual reality headset. No participants had concerns relating to headset comfort or ease of use. All participants strongly agreed that our use of a virtual reality headset could improve the access to and quality of slit-lamp biomicroscopy education. All participants stated that if available, they would prefer to use a virtual reality headset to teach slit-lamp biomicroscopy over current methods. Participants also suggested that this system may be useful as a means to gain a second opinion from a colleague.

Conclusions:

Our novel use of a virtual reality headset as a teaching tool has the potential to significantly enhance the way junior doctors and allied health professionals learn how to perform slit-lamp biomicroscopy and recognise common pathology. Virtual reality slit-lamp biomicroscopy could also enable clinicians to access second opinions from colleagues concerning their examination findings with greater ease.

Financial Disclosure:

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