Authors: Haliza Abdul Mutalib, Bashirah Ishak, Mohd Norhafizun Mohd Saman

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the spectral transmittance of six different types of soft contact lenses after exposure to normal eyedrops use over one month. The normal eyedrops were only meant to be instil into the eyes without contact lenses. The objective of this lab study was to look at the effect of the eyedrops on the spectral transmittance of all contact lenses.

The two types of eyedrops for dry eye (eyedrop A) and eye irritation (eyedrop B) were applied to the surface of each contact lens (two drops each) at 2-hour intervals (n = 15), following which the lenses were immediately immersed in saline solution. This process was repeated four times daily (eight hours for Eyedrop A) and five times daily (10 hours for Eyedrops B), with the lenses subsequently soaked in Optifree disinfecting solution overnight. This constituted one complete cycle, which was repeated daily for 30 consecutive days. The control group underwent a similar procedure but used a saline solution instead of a disinfecting solution.

Spectral transmittance measurements were conducted on Day 0 and Day 30 for both the experimental and control groups. The results were analysed to determine the average of spectral transmittance values, and the absolute differences between the measurements were calculated. All recorded values fell within the tolerance limits outlined in ISO 18369.

This study concluded that neither type of eyedrop induced significant changes in spectral transmittance after 30 days of daily use as recommended by the manufacturer. All tested lenses (in the FDA categories) exhibited consistent spectral transmittance values throughout the study. Therefore, the eyedrops evaluated in this trial were deemed not to affect the spectral transmittance of any soft contact lens types.

Keywords: Spectral transmittance, contact lenses, ophthalmic solutions, ISO, Eyedrop.

Citations: IeJSME 2025 Vol 19 (2): 18-27

Authors: Kavitha Nagandla, Sasikala Devi Amirthalingam, Malanashita Ganeson, Sharifah Sulaiha Syed Aznal, Ismail Abdul Sattar Burud, Shahid Hassan, Alex Chern Loong Lim.

ABSTRACT

Background: Mobile applications with multi-source feedback and learner analytics identifying individual students’ learning needs, providing personalised learning, and remediation are utilised to enhance Workplace-based assessment (WBA). This pilot study aims to investigate the utility and feasibility of WBA digital application, H. Prime, in the settings of clinical experiential learning.

Methods: A mixed methods analysis using quantitative data collected in Phase 1 and qualitative experience data from focus group discussion in Phase 2 was conducted. The educational impact was assessed using Kirkpatrick’s hierarchical model of evaluation pyramid from level 1, “satisfaction” to level 4, “results”.

Results: A total of 392 assessments were completed among 200 students across their clinical postings.
78.5% of students and 87.1% of faculty assessors perceived the application as an acceptable usability experience. Thematic analysis revealed a need to improve the digital interface and communication when scheduling assessments. Students found verbal and recorded feedback in the digital application closed learning gaps and facilitated reflective learning.

Conclusions: In summary, a digital app-based delivery of WBA is a positive experience for students and assessors. Students acknowledged that feedback generates opportunities for self-reflection and closing learning gaps. On technical aspects, there is a need to improve the process of timely scheduling sessions with assessors. We acknowledge prior training of the faculty, academic support staff, provision of additional time in timetables, student knowledge, and sensitisation, are paramount for successful timely completion and enhancement of the educational impact of the WBAs.

Keywords: Workplace-based assessment, Digital app, Clinical training.

Citations: IeJSME 2025 Vol 19 (2): 28-36