Retention of Knowledge of Retinal Microanatomy by Optometric Students, Faculty and Practitioners

Barclay W. Bakkum, DC, PhD
Ruth A. Trachimowicz, OD, PhD, FAAO


Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the ability of fourth-year optometric students and clinical faculty members at an optometric college (including residents) and a cohort of private practice optometrists to label the 10 layers of the retina on a diagram. The private practitioners were least proficient in identifying the retinal layers. The faculty optometrists performed better. The students did the best. With increased use of advanced imaging technologies, optometrists may need to become increasingly proficient in retinal microanatomy. Basic and clinical science concepts should be correlated not only throughout optometric school curricula but also in continuing education courses. 

Key Words: anatomy, retina, optical coherence tomography, long-term learning, optometry, education

Read Full Article

 Save article as PDF