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Background <p>This study aimed to evaluate a perceptual learning module (PLM) for improving visual diagnostic skills among novice students and to investigate the underlying cognitive mechanisms using eye-tracking.</p> Methods <p>In this mixed-design study, 63 novice optometry students (Year 1 and 2) were randomly assigned into one of three groups: perceptual learning (PL), perceptual learning with enhanced-contrast (PLC), or a no-training control. A benchmark group of 21 senior students (Year 5) with formal clinical training was also recruited. The PL and PLC groups completed a four-week, web-based perceptual learning program focused on identifying signs of diabetic retinopathy. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed at pre-training and post-training for all groups, and at a three-month follow-up for the PL group. Fixation patterns, defined as the percentage and duration of fixations on pathological areas, were recorded using an eye-tracker.</p> Results <p>After the four-week intervention, the diagnostic accuracy of the PL and PLC groups improved significantly (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), achieving a level similar to the senior students (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.99) and better than the control group (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). This improvement was retained at the three-month follow-up (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.99). The training also increased the PL group’s fixation hits and duration on pathological areas (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) to a level comparable to that of the senior students (<i>p</i> = 0.92). Post-training diagnostic accuracy in the PL group was moderately correlated with percentage of fixation hit (<i>r</i> = 0.50, <i>p</i> = 0.03), a relationship not observed at baseline or in the senior students.</p> Conclusions <p>Perceptual learning is a potent and durable educational intervention that refines the fixation patterns of novice learners to a level comparable to that of more experienced students. These findings support the integration of PLMs into health professions curricula to efficiently improve pattern identification – a foundation of diagnostic skill.</p>

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Perceptual learning enhances diabetic retinopathy detection skills in novice optometry students

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月29日

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  • Kai Yip Choi,
  • Ka Wing Chan,
  • Hiu Ching Yau,
  • Yuet Yan Lau,
  • Tsz Wing Leung

摘要

Background

This study aimed to evaluate a perceptual learning module (PLM) for improving visual diagnostic skills among novice students and to investigate the underlying cognitive mechanisms using eye-tracking.

Methods

In this mixed-design study, 63 novice optometry students (Year 1 and 2) were randomly assigned into one of three groups: perceptual learning (PL), perceptual learning with enhanced-contrast (PLC), or a no-training control. A benchmark group of 21 senior students (Year 5) with formal clinical training was also recruited. The PL and PLC groups completed a four-week, web-based perceptual learning program focused on identifying signs of diabetic retinopathy. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed at pre-training and post-training for all groups, and at a three-month follow-up for the PL group. Fixation patterns, defined as the percentage and duration of fixations on pathological areas, were recorded using an eye-tracker.

Results

After the four-week intervention, the diagnostic accuracy of the PL and PLC groups improved significantly (p < 0.001), achieving a level similar to the senior students (p > 0.99) and better than the control group (p < 0.001). This improvement was retained at the three-month follow-up (p > 0.99). The training also increased the PL group’s fixation hits and duration on pathological areas (p < 0.001) to a level comparable to that of the senior students (p = 0.92). Post-training diagnostic accuracy in the PL group was moderately correlated with percentage of fixation hit (r = 0.50, p = 0.03), a relationship not observed at baseline or in the senior students.

Conclusions

Perceptual learning is a potent and durable educational intervention that refines the fixation patterns of novice learners to a level comparable to that of more experienced students. These findings support the integration of PLMs into health professions curricula to efficiently improve pattern identification – a foundation of diagnostic skill.