Effect of low-cost direct ophthalmoscopy training on glaucoma disc assessment by allied ophthalmic personnel students: a controlled pre-post study - Summary - MDSpire

Effect of low-cost direct ophthalmoscopy training on glaucoma disc assessment by allied ophthalmic personnel students: a controlled pre-post study

  • By

  • Vrundaben Patel

  • Andreas Katsimpris

  • John Buchan

  • Kangwa Muma

  • Andrew Blaikie

  • May 6, 2026

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Objective:

To evaluate the impact of a single day of focussed direct ophthalmoscopy training on the skills and knowledge of undergraduate Allied Ophthalmic Personnel (AOP) students in Zambia.

Key Findings:
  • Both groups showed significant gains in knowledge and direct ophthalmoscopy skills.
  • The intervention group had greater improvements in overall knowledge (+24.5% vs +11.6%), examination technique (+16.5% vs +0.3%), and disc classification (+16.2% vs +9.2%).
  • Recognition of specific glaucomatous optic disc features improved similarly in both groups.
Interpretation:

Targeted training combined with low-cost tools effectively enhanced AOP students' knowledge and skills in glaucoma detection, though ongoing reinforcement is needed for specific feature recognition.

Limitations:
  • Limited prior experience in direct ophthalmoscopy among participants.
  • Small sample size may affect generalizability.
Conclusion:

One-day training with affordable tools can significantly improve glaucoma detection skills among AOPs, suggesting the need for integration of such training into curricula to reduce preventable blindness.

Original Source(s)

Effect of low-cost direct ophthalmoscopy training on glaucoma disc assessment by allied ophthalmic personnel students: a controlled pre-post study

  • by Vrundaben Patel, Andreas Katsimpris, John Buchan, Kangwa Muma, Andrew Blaikie

  • May 6, 2026

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