Community Interest in Vision Screening Technology

Overview

Virtual reality (VR) is a relatively new, emerging field within healthcare. Studies have analyzed public perceptions of virtual reality in healthcare using social media, but few have actually demonstrated and educated these modalities to communities. Because vision care can be costly and inaccessible, especially in communities with few physicians, this study aims to evaluate whether communities would be open to new technology. For example, it has been determined that 80% of vision loss is preventable with adequate screening technology, a key factor in ameliorating the economic and emotional burden of eye disease. Therefore, through demonstrations and educational presentations by medical students, gaps in understanding perceptions, willingness to adopt, and general demographics of those seeking better eye care will be understood.

This study is critical to show healthcare leaders that communities seek new, lower cost, and more accessible technologies for vision care. This study will also be used to expand use of the technology in other communities and prove a use case for it. Ultimately, this can help benefit communities to ensure that all are receiving proper vision care and to address common conditions in a timely manner. If participants agree to participate, individuals will be educated about vision care and the use of virtual reality technology by a medical student or trained volunteer using a VR headset. This entire process will take about 5 minutes. Participants will be allowed to take breaks and medical students and/or volunteers will be nearby to answer any questions they may have throughout the study. There will be no results given to patients during the study nor will they be advised to use any information to inform future healthcare decisions. The purpose of the study is demonstrative. After the demonstration, a survey will be given to each participant about their experience with the VR technology along with demographic information. This will be kept confidential and will only be accessed by those approved. The survey will take approximately 5 minutes. In addition, we will offer educational materials on the conditions that the vision tests are used to screen for.

Conditions