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Auto-ophthalmoscopy: a novel way to practice retinal examination

Department of Surgery, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, Herts, SG1 4AB, UK, roger{at}rharmour.fsnet.co.uk

Michael G Kirby

The Surgery, Nevells Road, Letchworth, Herts, SG6 4TS, UK

Proficiency at retinal examination takes a long time to acquire. The authors investigated auto-ophthalmoscopy — the examination of one's own retina — as a way of helping the student or practitioner. They report the first pilot study in the 145-year history of the method. Auto-ophthalmoscopy is best taught by demonstration and is best learnt under supervision. It takes practice, which is in itself useful in learning how to use a direct ophthalmoscope. Of 20 participants in the pilot study, 11 saw their retinae. One of the authors, who has type 2 diabetes, has seen and sketched his own micro-aneurysms.

Key Words: retinal examination • auto-ophthalmoscopy • pilot study • diabetic micro-aneurysms.

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The British Journal of Diabetes & Vascular Disease, Vol. 5, No. 3, 142-144 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/14746514050050030501


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This Article Abstract Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Armour, R. H Articles by Kirby, M. G Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?