Evaluation of a simulation tool in ophthalmology: application in teaching funduscopy

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the Eye Retinopathy Trainer (R) as a teaching tool for direct ophthalmoscopy examination by comparing it with the traditional method using volunteers. Methods: Fourth year medical students received training in direct ophthalmoscopy using a simulation tool and human volunteers. Ninety students were randomized into a Simulation Group or a Control Group by the inclusion or absence of the simulation model in classroom practice. Differences between the groups were analyzed using unpaired Student's t-test. Results: The Simulation Group was superior to the Control Group, with 51.06% successful in performing fundus examination in both the anatomical model simulation and the human model in comparison with 21.15% in the Control Group. Conclusions: The Eye Retinopathy Trainer (R) appears to be an effective teaching tool for practice and improvement of ophthalmologic examination among fourth year medical students.