Towards a haptically enabled optometry training simulator

Abstract Optometry is an essential health care profession that has existed for many centuries and is still evolving. However, the training approaches for optometrists are not yet on par with the latest technological evolution. The traditional supervisor–student training mode could not provide good immersion and repeatability, while most existing vision-based computer-assisted simulations provide even worse immersion on screens. In this paper, we propose an effective system for optometry training simulation with two setups: augmented reality based and absolution measurement transducer based. Both setups are seamlessly integrated with haptic devices as well as with the actual slit lamp. They are able to greatly enhance the immersion for typical optometry training tasks such as foreign body removal. Medical doctors and optometry students are also actively involved in suggesting configurations and validating visual and haptic rendering results on these setups. Preliminary user studies show very positive feedbacks from the optometry students.

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