Key Factors Affecting the Implementation of Immersive Technologies in Ophthalmology Education

The rapid evolution of immersive technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), present a transformative potential for various sectors, especially education. Within the specialized field of ophthalmology education, understanding the integration and effectiveness of these technologies is key. A systematic literature review (SLR) was executed to identify the factors influencing the adoption of immersive technologies in ophthalmology education. Thematic analysis was applied to 62 research papers, resulting in the identification of 77 key factors. These factors, encompassing both success and hindering elements, were categorized into 12 sub-categories and six main areas: immersive technology feature factors, user acceptance factors, learning outcome factors, active learning and control factors, student factors, and inhibiting factors. The categorization presented serves as a guideline for medical practitioners and technology developers, guiding them in optimizing the development, deployment, and enhancement of immersive tools in ophthalmology education. This research highlights the significance of each identified factor in the successful integration of immersive technologies in ophthalmology education.