Journal of Veterinary Medical Education

Abnormalities found in routine ophthalmic examination may reflect the presence of treatable systemic diseases in animals, leading to early diagnosis and treatment; Ophthalmoscopy is one of the most difficult routine veterinary procedures; we decided to create a study methodology to teach veterinarians about the physical principles of direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy examination, in addition to the use of devices with different degrees of difficulty.

We encourage the construction of a low-cost model; In initial training with the model, the student identifies a six-digit numerical sequence behind the sphere, using pupils of different sizes; After this stage, students identify different retinal lesions from photographs placed inside the model; After completing the training phase with the model, students can begin training for direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy exams with animals; Students can also confirm that the retinal changes observed in the animal have been correctly identified by performing an examination with a portable fundus camera.

The teaching methodology described demonstrates a progressively increasing level of difficulty to further students' skills before they carry out animal exams; Constructing their own model is useful in aiding students' understanding of the physical principles of the direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy examinations; The low cost allows students to build and have their own model and to train outside the college environment, thus accelerating and reinforcing learning; The use of models is not a substitute for training with animals, but it reduces unnecessary exposure of animals to elementary training; The portable fundus camera allows several students to follow the exam at the same time, reducing exposure and stress on the animal.

The use of a low-cost, easy-to-implement model that facilitates learning about direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy supports the correct and early diagnosis of diseases that can threaten animals' vision and life; The images captured can be sent to specialists in other locations, allowing students to use the benefits of telemedicine in learning; In the future, simulators can be used for certification and accreditation, in addition to ascertaining the knowledge of doctors who want to update their knowledge of ophthalmology.