Review Article
Digital Education in Ophthalmology

https://doi.org/10.1097/APO.0000000000000484Get rights and content
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Abstract

Accessibility to the Internet and computer systems has prompted the gravitation towards digital learning in medicine, including ophthalmology. Using the PubMed database and Google search engine, current initiatives in ophthalmology that serve as alternatives to traditional in-person learning with the purpose of enhancing clinical and surgical training were reviewed. This includes the development of teleeducation modules, construction of libraries of clinical and surgical videos, conduction of didactics via video communication, and the implementation of simulators and intelligent tutoring systems into clinical and surgical training programs. In this age of digital communication, teleophthalmology programs, virtual ophthalmological society meetings, and online examinations have become necessary for conducting clinical work and educational training in ophthalmology, especially in light of recent global events that have prevented large gatherings as well as the rural location of various populations. Looking forward, web-based modules and resources, artificial intelligence–based systems, and telemedicine programs will augment current curricula for ophthalmology trainees.

Keywords

artificial intelligence
surgical simulation
tele-education
web-based learning

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R. V. Paul Chan is on the Scientific Advisory Board for Phoenix Technology (Pleasanton, CA) and a Consultant for Alcon (Ft. worth, TX)

Funding Sources: This project was supported by R01EY029673 grant from the National Institutes of Health (Bethesda, MD) and by unrestricted departmental funding from Research to Prevent Blindness (New York, NY). The sponsor or funding organizations had no role in the design or conduct of this research.