Slit-lamp handling: Learning upgrade with webcam video recordings

Abstract

Slit lamp handling has always been difficult for students of the degree of Optics and Optometry in Spain. Instruments with associated cameras help a lot in this task. They allow teachers to observe and control students learning and performance. However, these devices are more expensive than those that do not have an integrated camera connected to a display unit. In this paper we present a cost effective alternative. We propose to place a webcam in one of the slit-lamp oculars (in our case, a Microsoft Lifecam HD-5000). The webcams are connected to a PC running Linux Ubuntu 11.0; therefore that is a low-cost device. The system was used during the teaching of slit-lamp handling in the practice of the subject of "Contactología I" of the degree in Optics and Optometry at the Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (Spain). The students were asked to complete a survey in order to test its usefulness. 90% of the students found the system very helpful. Our experience shows that with this simple approach we can do things easier: show the slit-lamp handling to all the students at the same time; take pictures or videos of different eye health conditions or exploratory routines for posterior visualization with all the students; increase the interactions between students allowing them to help and correct each other; and also record the final routine exam in order to make possible its revision with the students. We think that the presented option is a cost effective alternative to built-in cameras provided by slit lamp manufacturers for teaching purposes, supporting the training in optometry practice and increasing the student´s confidence without a big outlay.