Using an ophthalmoscope may seem simple, and is not difficult to use but it does require practice. If used for every neurological examination, it will soon become second nature.

Some obvious things to bear in mind are checking the batteries are working - they may be flat which will affect reliability, or as with some ophthalmoscopes, the small cover over the aperture may be closed which may lead you to believe it is not working.

Important factors to consider are room lighting (off or dimmed), preparing your patient, (warn them it could be dazzling and ask to fixate on exact area), and make sure you examine eye to eye (your left with their left, your right with their right).

Advice indicates to follow a routine: red reflex, anterior segment, disc, vessels and then lastly macula. If you find an abnormality, keep looking for a second one.The red-free filter is useful for enhancing the appearance of blood vessels and bleeds by showing them as black.

The most common error made by physicians when using an ophthalmoscope is not getting close enough. Advice suggests being almost cheek to cheek to enable the widest field of view.