Sim eye instructions

The Arclight simulation eyes are a hands-on tool to help practice direct ophthalmoscopy skills. The eyes can mimic both fundal ‘red’ reflex abnormalities and retinal and optic nerve disease offering a comprehensive training and testing tool for direct ophthalmoscopy.

What’s in the pack?

Each sim eye set includes:

5 black box sim eyes – each with a lens in the lid

1 sheet of 5 different fundal images (or inserts), labelled with a diagnosis key.

  1. ‘Normal’ retina
  2. Swollen disc
  3. Cupped disc
  4. Central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO)
  5. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Sim eye assembly

  1. Cut out the 5 square fundus images and the diagnosis key following the dotted lines.
  2. Open the sim eye by removing the lid.
  3. Insert one fundus image into the back of the sim eye box, making sure it’s secure and doesn’t move. The number should be at the bottom.
  4. Replace the lid carefully. Hold it by the edges to avoid dislodging the lens.
  5. Label the sim eye with a sticky note or marker to identify the condition. You can use the name of the condition for training or a number for testing.

Sim eye use

  1. Hold the sim eye in one hand.
  2. Use the Arclight Ophthalmoscope in the other hand on the high beam setting.
  3. Look through the device and observe until the fundus image becomes clear.         
  4. For insert 1, try to find the GREEN STAR, BLUE SQUARE, and the word CAT this helps ensure you're viewing the whole image.
  5. Use the same method to explore the other four inserts.

 

If the lens falls out

The lens may come loose if the centre of the pupil is pressed. To reinsert:

  1. Remove the lid by squeezing the sides.
  2. Identify the flat side of the lens—this should face the inside surface of the lid.
  3. Press the lens into the four black grips inside the lid, while gently pressing the outside of the lid (at the centre) to open the grips.

 

Simulating eye conditions

You can also modify the sim eyes to simulate eye conditions that affect the appearance of the fundal ‘red’ reflex.  These include:

Cataract

Scratch the centre of the lens with scissors to cloud it.

Retinoblastoma

Draw red lines on tissue paper, scrunch it up, and place it inside the sim eye.

Fundal ‘red’ Reflex

  1. Place insert 1 or coloured paper (red/yellow/blue) inside. You can download printable fundal reflex inserts in various colours here.
  2. Tape two sim eyes together or place in simulation head.
  3. In a dark room, hold them at arm’s length and shine the Arclight to see the reflex.

More detailed fundal reflex training is available.

Sim eyes can be placed in a foam simulation head for more realistic training. If you're interested in purchasing a foam head, please email: arclightsales@st-andrews.ac.uk