Community ophthalmology: retinopathy screening method: practice question

A Ophthalmology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Ophthalmology · Community ophthalmology: retinopathy screening method

Sample item

A primary health centre without an ophthalmologist wants to screen many diabetic patients for retinopathy. Which approach is most practical for population screening?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Non-mydriatic digital fundus photography with remote grading

Non-mydriatic fundus cameras can be operated by trained technicians, and images are graded centrally or by telemedicine, so only those with referable disease go to the ophthalmologist. This is practical in a community programme. Fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic procedure, not a screening tool.

Option by option

  • A. Non-mydriatic digital fundus photography with remote grading (correct)

    Correct. Fundus photography with remote grading is practical and scalable for screening.

  • B. Slit lamp biomicroscopy with gonioscopy

    Gonioscopy examines the angle and not the retina.

  • C. Direct ophthalmoscopy by a physician through a small pupil

    Direct ophthalmoscopy through an undilated pupil misses much of the retina.

  • D. Fluorescein angiography for all patients

    Angiography is invasive and unsuitable for mass screening.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is A, Non-mydriatic digital fundus photography with remote grading. Non-mydriatic fundus cameras can be operated by trained technicians, and images are graded centrally or by telemedicine, so only those with referable disease go to the ophthalmologist.

Why is "Slit lamp biomicroscopy with gonioscopy" not the answer?

Gonioscopy examines the angle and not the retina.

Why is "Direct ophthalmoscopy by a physician through a small pupil" not the answer?

Direct ophthalmoscopy through an undilated pupil misses much of the retina.

Why is "Fluorescein angiography for all patients" not the answer?

Angiography is invasive and unsuitable for mass screening.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Community ophthalmology: retinopathy screening method in Ophthalmology. This is practical in a community programme. Fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic procedure, not a screening tool.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Community ophthalmology: retinopathy screening method?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.