Smartphones for Smart Eyes

Abstract

Objective: To determine the usage of smart phone for academics and educational purposes among ophthalmologists. Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted during June to December 2017, in the department of Ophthalmology. Peoples Medical College Hospital Nawabshali„ which included ophthalmologists of different cities. 100 participants including consultants, postgraduate residents and registrars of ophthalmology departments were included in the study. A questionnaire was provided to them through emails, messengers and phone calls and the answers were recorded and analysed by SPSS 25. Results: A total of 100 participants were included in study among which 52 (52%) were consultants, 42 (42%) were postgraduate residents and 6 (6%) were registrars. 52 (57.8%) of the participants use android phones and 38 (42.2%) use iPhone. 20 (20%) of the participants most often use their phone's flash light, 24 (24%) of the participants use the camera of their phones to capture the findings in patient's eye. 26 (26" 0) participants do not have any book downloaded in their phones and 8 (8%) do not use any website. 76 ( 76%) of the participants use messengers for group discussions and 24 (24%) do not use any messenger. Conclusion: Recent aadgets are proved to be very useful in field of ophthalmology. These gadgets are replacing expensive equipment and resulting in efficient patient care in a cost-effective way. Therefore, ophthalmologists should try to make the most of these smartphones for smart eyes, both for ophthalmologists and patients.