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How to use…the direct ophthalmoscope
  1. Sam P Gurney1,
  2. Taiwo Makanjuola1,
  3. Muhammad Kutubi1,
  4. Manoj Parulekar1,2,
  5. Joseph Abbott1
  1. 1 Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, UK
  2. 2 Department of Ophthalmology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Sam P Gurney, Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Birmingham, B4 6NH, UK; sam.gurney{at}gmail.com

Abstract

Ophthalmoscopy and red reflex examination are core medical skills required to identify sight-threatening and life-threatening disease. We discuss the predictive utility and limitations of findings with an ophthalmoscope and tips as to how to optimise these. We outline important considerations in three clinical scenarios: an abnormal red reflex, an abnormal optic disc and retinal haemorrhages in the context of child protection concerns.

  • ophthalmology
  • neurology
  • neurosurgery
  • general paediatrics
  • neonatology

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Footnotes

  • Competing interests None declared.

  • Patient consent Obtained.

  • Provenance and peer review Commissioned; externally peer reviewed.