Getting Started with Virtual Reality Visual Field Exams

Traditional visual field testing has long been a cornerstone in diagnosing and managing conditions like glaucoma, stroke, and macular degeneration, and multiple sclerosis, however, bulky equipment and uncomfortable processes can hinder patient compliance and result accuracy. The shift to virtual reality (VR) visual field testing represents a significant leap forward in eye care, offering a streamlined, patient-friendly alternative to traditional methods. 

Platforms like Virtual Field make it remarkably easy to integrate this cutting-edge technology into your practice without the steep learning curve often associated with new systems. The setup is as intuitive as it is efficient – requiring just 20 to 30 minutes from unboxing to operation. With its plug-and-play design, comprehensive Quick Start Guide, and a brief onboarding session, you will administer tests quickly and confidently.

Whether your business is a freestanding clinic, large university healthcare clinic, or government facility, the integration of Virtual Field can be seamless.

What is virtual reality visual field testing?

Virtual visual field technology tests patients' visual fields using virtual reality technology. As opposed to patients being tied to a large, bulky, immobile and often uncomfortable machine for testing, with virtual visual field technology, patients receive visual field testing via a portable visual field test. The patient will put on a VR headset wherever they feel most comfortable.This space may be in a chair or remaining in their wheelchair if they have one. The virtual reality visual field test offers patients the same testing, just in a portable machine. There is also an opportunity for patients to test in a remote office location, thus further streamlining testing accessibility. The virtual visual field reports can easily be downloaded into the patient's EMR by the technician for review by the provider. VR visual fields support increased efficiency in testing for both providers and patients.

Virtual Field visual field testing

Virtual Field is the most established platform in virtual visual field technology, allowing optometry and ophthalmology providers to administer visual field tests to their patients in a reliable, comfortable, and unrestricted setting. The patient can wear the headset wherever they are comfortable while the provider administers the test. After completion, the results can quickly interface to the EMR and are available in various formats, such as PDF, JPG, or DICOM. From there, providers have open access to the results and can easily compare tests, diagnose, and treat patients. The virtual visual field machine offers the same testing as a standard visual field test, administering tests such as the Esterman visual field test, ptosis visual field test, central visual field testing, and more. 

>> Read next: How to Get Better Visual Field Test Results

How quickly can I get started with Virtual Field VR visual field testing?

Getting started with a virtual reality visual field test like Virtual Field is a smooth process that doesn't require a significant time commitment. It’s so easy that you can set it up yourself in less than 30 minutes – no onsite onboarding specialists are required.

Here's a simple two-step process for implementing Virtual Field’s visual field testing. Each step is designed to make the transition easy and efficient.

1. Access the Quick Start Guide. You'll quickly get familiar with the virtual reality visual field experience. It's designed to be user-friendly, so understanding the hardware, software, and interface won't take much time. Get started by accessing Virtual Field’s handy Quick Start Guide.
2. Conduct a 30-minute onboarding call with Virtual Field. Unlike other services that require you to participate in a time-consuming onboarding process, Virtual Field provides a comprehensive onboarding call for you and your team in just 30 minutes. This short virtual session ensures everyone is comfortable using the Virtual Field to its fullest potential, in the quickest way possible. 

If you’re wondering why we don’t come onsite to service you, it’s because Virtual Field is easy enough to set up on your own in just 20 to 30 minutes. The plug-and-play setup is ready to use out of the box, requiring no complex installation.

What additional features help streamline the onboarding process?

Here are features to further streamline the onboarding and Virtual Field utilization process: 

• Patient-friendly instructions: Introducing your patients to the Virtual Field is easy. Instructions provided through the headset guide the patient through the process, helping them understand what to expect. Virtual Field is available in multiple languages to cater to a diverse patient population.
• Ongoing technical support: Our team is readily available for technical support or troubleshooting. You won't waste time grappling with issues; just reach out, and we'll assist you promptly.

Visual field testing optimization: As you and your team become pros at using the virtual reality visual field system, you'll naturally find ways to optimize the process. These minor adjustments won't take much time and will keep improving your experience.

How do I transition to a Virtual Reality Visual Field?

As you transition to the virtual visual field experience, it’s best practice to:

1. Perform comparative testing to rebaseline your patients. Run tests on your prior device and virtual visual field (VVF) side by side and compare the results. This is known as “rebaselining” the patient on the VVF instrument. By conducting tests side by side and meticulously comparing the results, providers calibrate and align the patient's baseline measurements between the two systems, establishing a reliable foundation for accurate ongoing assessments on the VVF.
2. Utilize progression analysis reports. Over the course of your patients' treatment journey, the utilization of progression analysis reports proves to be invaluable. These reports provide a dynamic overview of the patients' progress, showcasing any shifts or changes in their visual field patterns over time. By regularly consulting these reports, providers proactively identify trends, anomalies, or improvements that might otherwise go unnoticed. This data-driven approach aids in making informed decisions about the efficacy of the treatments and adjustments that may be needed, enhancing the overall patient care experience.
3. Create individualized VVF treatment plans. Focus on treating each patient as a unique individual and follow their specific outcomes over time. As you transition to the VVF and continue with patient care, it remains paramount to view each patient as a unique individual. Tailoring your approach to their specific needs, challenges, and responses to treatment fosters a personalized and effective process. 

The transition to the Virtual Reality Visual Field experience necessitates a strategic approach that involves comparative testing, utilization of progression analysis reports, individualized treatment, and dedicated tracking of patient-specific outcomes. By adhering to these best practices, you create a foundation for optimal patient care.

Why should I get started with virtual visual field testing?

Getting started with a Virtual Reality Visual Field is a smooth process that doesn't require a major time commitment. Here's a simple breakdown of the steps, all designed to make the transition easy and efficient:

1. You'll quickly get familiar with the Virtual Reality Visual Field experience. It's designed to be user-friendly, so understanding the hardware, software, and interface won't take much time. Plus, Virtual Field has a handy Quick Start Guide.
2. We provide a comprehensive onboarding call for you and your team. This short session ensures everyone is comfortable using the Virtual Field to its fullest potential, making the learning curve a breeze.
3. Introducing your patients to the Virtual Field is easy. Instructions provided through the headset guide the patient through the process, helping them understand what to expect.
4. Our team is readily available for any technical support or troubleshooting. You won't waste time grappling with issues—just reach out, and we'll assist you promptly.
5. As you and your team become pros at using the Virtual Reality Visual Field system, you'll naturally find ways to optimize the process. These minor adjustments won't take much time and will keep improving your experience.

Technology is rapidly changing healthcare; virtual visual field technology is just one response to this evolving landscape. Virtual Field offers the same benefits of typical visual field testing with the added benefits of patient comfort, space-spacing in tight clinics, and more. Virtual visual field technology is a safe, low cost and effective alternative to the outdated and bulky machinery that providers have historically used for visual field testing.

Virtual reality visual field testing makes testing for patients more convenient and comfortable while not jeopardizing the utility of results. Visit the Virtual Field website to learn more and sign up for a free 30-day trial and your onboarding call.