RT info:eu-repo/semantics/doctoralThesis
T1 Desarrollo y validación de un e-simulador de interacción clínica en lentes de contacto para apoyar la enseñanza de la contactología
A1 Braga Vieira, Sabrina
A2 Universidad de Valladolid. Escuela de Doctorado
K1 Enseñanza contractología
K1 Contactology
K1 Contactología
K1 Contact lenses
K1 Lentes de contacto
K1 Education
K1 Educación
K1 Simulator
K1 Simulador
K1 32 Ciencias Médicas
AB This Doctoral Thesis addresses the development and validation of a clinical interaction e-simulator for contact lenses (eSICLC), conceived as an innovative pedagogical tool to support teaching and learning in contactology. The work arises from the need to strengthen clinical training in contact lenses (CL), an essential area of optometry that faces structural limitations such as reduced access to patients, a lack of diverse clinical cases during training, and the absence of interactive digital resources that enable more dynamic and safe practice.As a methodological framework, the ADDIE model was adopted, widely recognized for its systematic approach to the development of educational solutions. This model, consisting of the phases of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, made it possible to align clinical competencies, active methodologies, and technological elements within a coherent pedagogical architecture. In this context, the Thesis is structured into two main stages: an initial analytical and exploratory phase aimed at identifying training needs, trends, and gaps in CL education; and a central phase dedicated to the design, development, and validation of an innovative educational resource.In its initial phase, the research conducted a detailed analysis of optometry training programs from various regions worldwide, identifying trends and deficiencies in CL education. This diagnosis revealed limited and uneven curricular coverage, with a predominance of theoretical content over practical training in several regions. Additionally, digital environments and existing learning objects in contactology were explored, revealing a prevalence of traditional informational materials and a lack of interactive clinical simulators. These findings underscored the need for innovative educational proposals that integrate advanced technologies and active pedagogical approaches.On this basis, the eSICLC, named SILVIA (Simulator for Interactive Learning in Visual Assistance), was developed. Its design articulated content, activities, and functionalities aimed at fostering learning and the development of clinical reasoning. SILVIA combines flexible navigation, personalized interaction, and automated feedback, enabling users to simulate clinical consultations in a virtual environment, perform anamnesis through a chatbot, request examinations, and make clinical decisions—all within a safe space that facilitates the acquisition and consolidation of practical skills.The design of the eSICLC incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to generate synthetic clinical cases and provide automated recommendations based on user performance. This approach created an adaptive and dynamic resource capable of replicating real clinical situations without compromising patient safety. Gamification elements, such as achievement systems and scoring, were also integrated to enhance student motivation and active participation.The preliminary validation of SILVIA was carried out through a proof-of-concept study involving students, professionals, and educators in contactology. The collected feedback highlighted the tool’s usability, its relevance for clinical teaching, and its potential as a complement to traditional methodologies. Areas for improvement were also identified for future versions, including the refinement of the feedback system, expansion of the clinical database, and incorporation of natural language processing technologies.The Thesis concludes that the integration of AI-based digital simulators represents a significant advancement in the training of visual health professionals. The eSICLC emerges as an innovative solution that democratizes access to preclinical experiences, improves the efficiency of the training process, and enables students to acquire essential competencies in an interactive and safe manner. Furthermore, it opens future avenues for expansion into other areas of optometry and visual health, positioning itself as a reference in educational innovation.
YR 2024
FD 2024
LK https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/83267
UL https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/83267
LA spa
NO Escuela de Doctorado
DS UVaDOC
RD 02-mar-2026