title: Evaluation of a tool to teach medical students direct ophthalmoscopy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  With declining exposure to the ophthalmologic examination in medical school, medical students and their instructors need a simple, effective method for teaching direct ophthalmoscopy.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Evaluation of canisters as direct ophthalmoscopy teaching aids for medical students.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two ounce plastic canisters were designed to simulate an eye with 35 mm fundus photographs placed at the base and an 8mm hole drilled in the center of the cap to simulate a dilated pupil. These tools were used as an optional supplement to the instruction of ophthalmoscopy. Participants included 102 second-year medical students from the Medical College of Wisconsin and 11 residents and instructors from The Eye Institute in Milwaukee, Wis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Effectiveness and ease of use of the canisters were assessed by analyzing questionnaires completed by the medical students and instructors. According to 76% of students and 93% of instructors, the canisters "supplemented their learning/teaching." Most students (90%) and instructors (88%) found them "easy to use."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This device is a simple and effective tool for teaching direct ophthalmoscopy to medical students.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urgent Care, Onalaska Clinic, Gundersen Lutheran Health System, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA. exophoria@gmail.com
authors.forename: Tracy B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Hoeg
authors.forename: Bhavna P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Sheth
authors.forename: Dawn S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Bragg
authors.forename: Jane D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Kivlin