Pupilla vs the AAO Retinoscopy Simulator
Quick answer
Both are browser-based tools for learning streak retinoscopy. The AAO Retinoscopy Simulator, by Faruk H. Orge, MD and K. David Epley, MD, lets you set sphere, cylinder and axis, rotate the streak and test yourself on randomized patients. Pupilla's retinoscopy simulator adds hands-on neutralization with trial lenses at a set working distance, practice cases with feedback, guided tours and a full Arabic interface, and connects retinoscopy to refraction, vision and lensometer simulators on the same site.
Try Pupilla freeSide-by-side comparison
| Feature | Pupilla | AAO Retinoscopy Simulator |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Pupilla (independent educational project) | American Academy of Ophthalmology; authors Faruk H. Orge, MD and K. David Epley, MD |
| Adjust sphere, cylinder and axis | Yes — cases with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism | Yes |
| Rotate the streak | Yes | Yes |
| Neutralize with trial lenses | Yes — place lenses until the reflex neutralizes | Not listed on its page |
| Working distance | Applied per case (67 cm by default) and taught in the guide | Reflexes "viewed from various working distances"; no separate control listed |
| Self-test | Practice cases with step-by-step feedback | Test mode with randomized patients |
| Linked tools | Refraction, vision ("what the patient sees") and lensometer simulators | Standalone tool |
| Language | English and Arabic (full interface, guides and FAQ) | English |
| Cost and access | Free in the browser; no account, download or install | Hosted on aao.org; pricing and login not stated on the tool page |
Choose AAO Retinoscopy Simulator if…
- You want a tool published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the largest US ophthalmology society.
- You only need a quick randomized drill of reflex reading.
Choose Pupilla if…
- You want to go through the whole sequence — read the motion, find the meridians, then neutralize with lenses.
- You study in Arabic or teach Arabic-speaking students.
- You want retinoscopy connected to refraction, the patient's blurred view and lensometry in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Is the AAO Retinoscopy Simulator better than Pupilla?
They serve slightly different needs. The AAO tool is a focused reflex-reading drill from a major professional society; Pupilla goes further into lens neutralization, guided practice and Arabic support. Many students use both.
Can I practise streak retinoscopy online for free?
Yes. Pupilla's streak retinoscopy simulator is free with no account. Read the streak retinoscopy guide first if you are new to with and against motion.
Sources for this comparison
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For education and training only. Pupilla is not a medical device and must not be used for diagnosis or treatment decisions.