Ophthalmology Oral Examination in a Virtual Trans-Atlantic Pilot Study – Evaluating Examiners’ and Examinees’ Perceptions

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated the transition of in-person examinations into virtual formats. As cases decreased, some examinations returned to in-person, while others remained virtual or instituted hybrid models. Virtual examinations offer benefits including decreased travel costs, and the opportunity to share examiners globally. We assessed a virtual trainee practice examination strategy and investigated perceptions and preferences regarding the virtual formats. Method: Ten ophthalmology residents from the Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Glasgow, Scotland, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, United States, participated in virtual mock oral exams conducted by two examiners. Examiners and examinees answered questions graded on a Likert scale to determine perceptions of the format. Results: Most examinees and examiners were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall examination, as well as the internet connectivity, video quality, and audio quality. The majority of examinees (70%) had either no preference or a preference for in-person examination. One examiner preferred the virtual format, and the other had no preference. Conclusion: Virtual oral examinations can be a feasible and effective alternative to in-person examinations. They have the added benefit of decreased travel costs and the ability to share examiners amongst institutions to replicate a more realistic examination experience for trainees.