Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 47, Issue 4 , Pages 375-386, July 2002

The Reliability of Clinical Methods in Ophthalmology☆

  • Curtis E. Margo, MD, MPH

      Affiliations

    • The Department of Ophthalmology, Watson Clinic, Lakeland, FL, USA
    • ,
  • Lynn E. Harman, MD

      Affiliations

    • Eye Specialists of Mid-Florida, Winter Haven, and the Department of Ophthalmology University of South Florida, College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
    • ,
  • Zuber D. Mulla, MSPH, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprints of this article are not available

JOHANNA SEDDON AND DONALD FOND, EDITORS

Abstract 

The reliability of clinical methods is often taken for granted. There is considerable evidence, however, that variability of clinical measurements, interpretations, and judgements are greater than commonly thought. Inconsistency of clinical methods has profound and widespread implications in clinical practice. The inferential capacity of measurements depends on accuracy and reproducibility. Appropriate medical decisions cannot be reached without accurate and reliable data. This review will examine the conceptual relationship of reliability, accuracy, and validity. The role of observer reliability in ophthalmic test measurements and interpretations will be addressed in the context of three case reports.

Keywords:  ophthalmic tests, reliability, reproducibility, validity

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☆ The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any product mentioned or concept discussed in this article.

PII: S0039-6257(02)00312-0

Survey of Ophthalmology
Volume 47, Issue 4 , Pages 375-386, July 2002

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