Comparison of Accuracy in Measuring Refractive Error by Ophthalmology Residents Between Classical and Innovative Teaching Techniques

Abstract

Objective: To compare the accuracy of measuring refractive error by retinoscopy between classical and innovative teaching techniques.

Methods: Thirty ophthalmic residents with best-corrected visual acuity not less than 6/9, and no color blindness were included. The first test was conducted (for all participants) by a randomized blinded practice with a five different refractive error schematic eyes for 15 minutes. After the first test, all of them were taught and practiced with the retinoscopy simulator. The second test was undergone with the same five schematic eyes but in different order for 15 minutes. The answers of the second test were recorded.

Results: Seven were male and 23 were female with the mean age of 28.7 year-old. There were 10 participants in each group with less than 1 year, 1 year and 2 years experience of retinoscopy training. We found no statistical difference in the total correction score of all 3 groups before and after using retinoscopy simulator (p= 0.668). Only the group with less than 1 year of experience had a significant improvement in total correction score (p= 0.015) after using the retinoscopy simulator.

Conclusion: Retinoscopy simulator can help the beginner to recognize and become familiar with the reflexes observed from retinoscopy, but it is not effective to be an alternative technique for the classical retinoscopy teaching method.