Training activity information
Details
Perform and document visual field tests
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What knowledge about visual field testing (e.g., different perimetry techniques, understanding visual pathway anatomy relevant to field defects, normal visual field parameters) is essential before you undertake this activity?
- Consider the specific insights you aim to gain from performing and documenting visual field tests on patients.
- What practical skills in operating the equipment and interpreting initial results do you hope to develop?
- Think about your current understanding of visual field testing.
- What aspects of the procedure, interpretation, or patient interaction are you particularly interested in learning more about?
- Discuss the specifics of this training activity with your training officer, ensuring you understand the required documentation and any specific patient groups you might encounter.
- Consider potential difficulties during visual field testing, such as patient fatigue, fixation issues, or understanding the test instructions. How can you prepare strategies to mitigate these challenges?
- Reflect on your feelings about performing this test. What steps can you take to ensure you approach the activity with a focused and effective mindset?
In action
- Pay attention to your actions as you set up the visual field testing equipment and instruct the patient.
- How are you ensuring the patient understands the task?
- Why are you choosing a specific testing strategy (e.g., perimetry)?
- What decisions are you making during the test based on the patient’s responses (or lack thereof)? Are you adjusting the test parameters? Why?
- How are you approaching the documentation of the visual field results?
- What key information (e.g., fixation losses, false positives/negatives) are you noting and why?
- What aspects of performing and documenting visual field tests feel intuitive?
- What requires more conscious effort in terms of technique and interpretation?
- How effective are your instructions and techniques in obtaining a reliable and accurate visual field test result?
- What challenges are you facing during the test (e.g., maintaining patient attention, equipment malfunction, interpreting unusual responses)?
- What can you learn about potential visual pathway defects as the visual field test unfolds?
- If the patient is finding the test difficult, are there strategies you could use to improve their engagement or reliability (e.g., adjusting breaks, re-explaining instructions)?
- What support or guidance might you need in the moment if you are unsure about the reliability of the test or how to interpret certain patterns of loss?
- Are you ensuring your actions align with the local standards for performing visual field tests and your level of training?
On action
- What were the key steps involved in setting up and performing the visual field test(s)?
- What method of visual field testing did you use (e.g., manual perimetry, automated perimetry)?
- How did you instruct and guide the patient(s) during the test?
- Did you observe any difficulties the patient(s) had in understanding or performing the test?
- What were the key elements you documented following the visual field test(s)?
- What challenges, if any, did you encounter during the visual field testing process?
- What skills or knowledge related to performing visual field tests did you develop or improve?
- Were there any unexpected results or challenges during the testing? What did you learn from these?
- How did your understanding of the principles behind visual field testing and the interpretation of results develop?
- How important was patient cooperation in obtaining reliable results?
- How does your experience relate to the academic content regarding visual fields, considering visual pathway anatomy and common neurological pathologies?
- What areas for continued development have you identified in performing or interpreting visual field tests?
- How will you apply what you have learned from this activity to future practice?
- What specific actions or ‘next steps’ will you take to improve your ability in visual field testing?
- Do you require any further guidance or resources related to visual field testing?
Beyond action
- Reflect on your experiences of performing and documenting visual field tests.
- Have you gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges and nuances of this assessment over time?
- Compare your experiences with visual field testing to other similar situations you have encountered. What aspects of performing and documenting visual field tests have become more automatic or refined in your practice?
- Review your reflections from this training activity alongside other reflections. What broader insights about neuro-ophthalmic assessments or patient management have you gained? W
- hat future learning actions have you identified?
- Have you discussed your experiences with performing visual field tests with colleagues?
- Did these conversations provide alternative viewpoints or enhance your understanding of potential pitfalls or best practices?
- Understand that performing and documenting visual field tests contribute to your wider ability to assess visual function.
- How has this training activity enhanced your overall understanding of diagnostic testing in ophthalmology and your ability to provide patient-centred care?
- How might this experience aid you in other activities like explaining test results to patients?
- How have you utilised the skills and knowledge gained from this training activity in subsequent visual field assessments?
- Have you adopted any new strategies or refinements based on your initial experiences?
- How has this influenced your general approach to interpreting visual field results in different clinical contexts?
- Recognise the transferable skills developed through this training activity, including technical proficiency in operating equipment, attention to patient comfort and cooperation during testing, and the skill of accurate and comprehensive documentation.
- Identify specific steps you will take to further develop your expertise in visual field testing, informed by your experiences in this training activity.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 |
Outcome
Apply psychophysical tests to measure visual function, including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, visual fields and colour vision. |
| # 4 |
Outcome
Simulate a prescription in a trial frame. |
| # 5 |
Outcome
Employ effective communication with a range of individuals, including the patient and the multidisciplinary team. |
| # 7 |
Outcome
Produce clear, concise and accurate documentation in line with local standards and legislation. |