Protocol of Examination of Direct Ophthalmoscopy

Examination by means of direct ophthalmoscope involves the following simple steps:

1. Visual acuity. Tell him to fixate on 6/60 line.
2. Dim the light
3. Distant direct ophthalmoscopy is performed with ‘0’ DS lens
4. Anterior segment examination is done with +10 DS lens
5. Fundoscopy is performed by adjusting turret according to refractive error of both the examiner and patient.
6. Look at:
   • Disc
   • Macula
   • Periphery -by asking him to look in superior temporal, inferior temporal, superior nasal and inferior nasal quadrants.
   • Fovea by asking him to fixate light.
7. Red free filter for vitrous opacities and NFL defect.
8. Thank the patient.

Image courtesy of CDC/Amanda Mills