Detection of anomalies in the red reflex test requires adequate training

Clinical relevance Midwives should receive appropriate training to enable them reliably detect an abnormality in the red reflex, so as potentially sight‐ (and possibly life‐) threatening visual anomalies newborns.Background who had completed relevant Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) UK, were tested determine whether they could reflex of a model eye. Their results compared group undergraduate optometry students their final year, considerably more experience with ophthalmoscopy.Methods Two groups adult participants, 27 post‐graduate midwives 10 different levels ophthalmoscopy recruited. Participants required perform test repeatedly on set eyes interchangeable simulated retinas, that produced both normal abnormal ‘red’ reflexes, under controlled conditions.Results A total 1,810 observations recorded across participants. Both sensitivity specificity for distinguishing between reflexes higher (sensitivity 77.5 per cent 96.7 cent) than 53.9 75.4 cent). The positive predictive values 21.7 67.4 students, respectively. negative 92.8 98.0 students.Conclusion Despite completion test, outperformed detection anomalous simulations from This result is likely due differences two Additional conduct therefore recommended.