In order to train the basic handling and operation of an indirect ophthalmoscope, the Device Handling course offers abstract scenarios in which colored geometric shapes have to be found on the retina. The level of difficulty rises as objects have to be found on the periphery or are spread over the entire retina. Trainees will learn to align the light source and the lens in relation to the examined eye and to interpret the inverted images of the retina as seen through the ophthalmoscope optics. They will also become familiar with using different lens types and ophthalmoscope settings. They also train the handling of the scleral depressor to examine the periphery and the ora serrata.

In this course, different patients with pathological characteristics and anomalies of ROP, such as lesions and plus disease, are presented. Trainees learn to identify the related findings and to differentiate the stages of ROP.

The clinical cases are based on real patient cases with a complete, detailed clinical history, and were reviewed and commented upon by experienced ophthalmologists. Trainees are provided with comprehensive patient information and perform a targeted retina examination of the premature patient. The examination findings have to be classified in an input mask.