Augmented Reality Demodex Mite Medical Education Experience

Virtual and augmented reality (AR) has transformed medical education and surgical training. However, these platforms have yet to be widely used in ophthalmology for disease state awareness and patient education. The Miteaverse augmented reality platform is a creation by Tarsus Pharmaceuticals’ medical affairs team to equip clinicians with unique tools to teach peers and patients about Demodex blepharitis. Ophthalmologists and optometrists defined requirements for the platform’s design: Ease of use and accessibility – must be compatible with all handheld mobile devices, Portability – the model needs to be conveniently used in multiple exam rooms, Sanitary – educational tools need to be easily disinfected, Tasteful – bring to life education about mites that would be suitable for medical professionals and patients alike. A plush mite was designed and developed to house a QR code which would launch a HTML site. The HTML site, which can be activated independently of the plush mite, enables multiple screens to be shown in augmented reality: Demodex mite anatomy, cross-section view of eyelid with eyelash cutaway showing mite habitat, simulated image of patient eye and eyelid during slit lamp examination. The site also provides findings from published literature for the physician to discuss the prevalence and impact of Demodex blepharitis respectively. The Miteaverse provides a memorable and unique “wow factor” to provider and patient education. Two-thousand mites were handed out at the Academy of Ophthalmology and Academy of Optometry, with over 3300 unique visitors to the HTML site within the first month of platform launch. Qualitative feedback from US based MDs and ODs indicate that the platform is highly effective, convenient and fun for in-clinic use. The Miteaverse proves that AR experiences can be effective for education on eye diseases.