Accuracy and Utility of Internet Image Search as a Learning Tool for Retinal Pathology

Purpose Ophthalmology residency training heavily relies on visual and pattern recognition-based learning. In parallel with traditional reference texts, online internet search via Google Image Search (GIS) is commonly used and offers an accessible fund of reference images for ophthalmology trainees seeking rapid exposure to images of retinal pathology. However, the accuracy and quality of this tool within this context is unknown. We aim to evaluate the accuracy and quality of GIS images of selected retinal pathologies. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed of GIS of 15 common and 15 rare retinal diseases drawn from the American Academy of Ophthalmology residency textbook series. A total of 300 evaluable image results were assessed for accuracy of images and image source accountability in consultation with a vitreoretinal surgeon. Results A total of 377 images were reviewed with 77 excluded prior to final analysis. A total of 288 (96%) search results accurately portrayed the retinal disease being searched, whereas 12 (4%) were of an erroneous diagnosis. More images of common retinal diseases were from patient education Web sites than were images of rare diseases (p