Diagnostic error rates for ROP detection by trainee ophthalmologists
Reviewed by Fiona Rowe

The purpose of this study was to characterise common errors in ROP diagnosis by ophthalmologists-in-training in the USA and Canada. Case acquisition was from a web-based system used for ROP assessment from which 20 cases were selected. Fifty-five trainees from five residency programmes were directed to the platform. Of these, 46 started and 32 completed the assessment. For each case, they diagnosed ROP based on imaging of two eyes. Overall diagnostic error rate for any category of ROP was 48%. The most frequent missed diagnosis was for type 2 ROP with an error rate of 66% and treatment-requiring ROP at 52%. The rate for most junior trainees (year 2) was 61% compared to more senior trainees (year 4) at 38%. The authors conclude the incorporation of ROP-focussed education into the training curriculum is crucial to improve competency in ROP diagnosis and management. Under-diagnosis of stage 2 ROP and incorrect identification of plus disease were the most common errors.

Characterisation of errors in retinopathy of prematurity diagnosis by ophthalmologists-in-training in the US and Canada.
Al-Khalad T, Patel SN, Valikodath NG, et al.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY AND STRABISMUS
2023;60:337–43.