Cranial Nerve Testing for Optometrists

Background: This research study examines ifeducation and exposure to cranial nerve testing improves practitioner comfort and confidence in performing and interpreting such testing. The study is geared toward the primary care optometry setting, where practitioners may not be as familiar with cranial nerve testing and interpretation due to perceived infrequency ofneed in this modality. Methods: A survey was administered questioning participants' ability and comfort in performing and interpreting cranial nerve testing prior to and then after watching cranial nerve instructional videos. A total of48 participants identifying as optometrists, optometry students, or optometry faculty were surveyed. Results: Statistical analysis using a Mann Whitney U-test showed no statistically significant difference in subject confidence in performing or interpreting cranial nerve testing by viewing the instructional videos. Conclusions: Providing educational materials for cranial nerve testing does not improve practitioner comfort and confidence in perfom1ing and interpreting testing. Despite this, providing educational materials may increase the number oftimes practitioners perfom1 cranial nerve testing during patient examination when such testing is indicated.