Advancing Ophthalmic Ultrasound Education

Co-authors Bernadette Ayres, M.D., Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Director of Ophthalmic Ultrasound Services; and Hakan Demirci, M.D., Richard N. and Marilyn K. Witham Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, and Director of Ocular Oncology, have created the “Video Atlas of Ophthalmic Ultrasound.” The atlas is a dynamic, video-enhanced, hardcover resource with instructional videos designed to make ophthalmic ultrasound education more practical, engaging, and aligned with modern clinical and educational needs. The authors’ work, drawing from three decades of experience in ophthalmic ultrasound, aims to benefit eye care professionals worldwide—now and in the future. “The atlas covers practical cases and topics seen daily in the clinic, as well as special chapters to help users learn ultrasound techniques for better diagnosis, especially where normal fundoscopic examination is impossible,” says Dr. Ayres. “Incorporating videos into the traditional textbook format keeps learning dynamic and practical.” The atlas stands out by offering real-time moving images, rather than just still pictures, helping clinicians see what eye conditions and ultrasound images look like in real practice. “A new feature is the integration of advanced Doppler ultrasound techniques, which assist with diagnosing complex conditions such as intraocular tumors and orbital vascular conditions,” she says. Dr. Demirci envisions the future of ophthalmic ultrasound as closely connected to rapid technological advancement, including artificial intelligence (AI). “AI will help interpret images more accurately, alert clinicians to mistakes, and allow for the combination of ultrasound with other imaging technologies,” he says. “I believe that instructional videos fit today’s learning styles, giving a complete story about eye conditions and vastly improving education over older, static methods.” He notes that the most rewarding aspect of the project is sharing the atlas with both current and future generations of eye care professionals, not only at the U-M Kellogg Eye Center but also worldwide. “Ultrasound is a dynamic imaging modality. A video atlas will enable us to show all imaging features of the disease. This is, I think, very important in understanding and interpreting ultrasonography. Also, the atlas is supported by a unique, extensive library of ultrasound images, which is both rare and valuable.”



The Video Atlas of Ophthalmic Ultrasound stands out by offering real- time images, not just still pictures, helping clinicians see what eye conditions and ultrasound images look like in real practice.

—Bernadette Ayres, M.D.