Mobile e-Training Tools for Augmented Reality Eye Fundus Examination

The direct fundoscopy examination procedure involves interpreting the intricate anatomy of the eye when viewed through the lens of an ophthalmoscope. Mastering this procedure is difficult, and it requires extensive training that still employs instructional materials including pictures, illustrations, videos, and more recently, interactive computer-generated models. With the goal of adding realism to eye fundus training and overcoming the limitations of traditional media, the simulators employing manikin heads can be used. Such simulations utilize inter-changeable pictures and embedded displays that allow the presentation of various eye conditions. Modern simulators include immersive technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality that are providing innovative training opportunities. Unfortunately, current high end virtual and augmented reality simulation is quite expensive and for more adequate experience, it engages only single trainee at a time. This paper addresses the question of whether lower end simulation systems could provide comparable training experiences at an affordable cost. With respect to this, we discuss the design and development of two augmented reality systems for eye fundus examination training employing low-cost mobile platforms. We conclude with reporting that some preliminary results of the experimental use of the systems include usability perception feedback and comparisons with the Eyesi simulator.