Purpose The purpose of this master thesis is to develop and produce a prototype of an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) that is pro-tuned for optometrists and ophthalmologists. The thesis was carried out as an innovation project for Oulu University of Applied Sciences (OUAS) Clinical Optometry degree program. The prototype aims to unify the information recording, thus minimizing the risks for any contradictions by the next inspector.

Methods This thesis was carried out as an innovation project from 2022 to 2023. The gathered information was implemented in the process of developing the prototype. The tests for this prototype were chosen considering golden standards for a good eye examination in different countries combined with the visual aspect of the prototype in mind. The prototype was created with Plasmic by two people. Plasmic is a visual, no-code page builder and content management system (CMS) for websites or codebases. An IRB approval was not needed, since the literature was analyzed descriptively selecting suitable themes and contents.

Results As a result of this thesis four guidelines on a comprehensive vision and eye examination were identified and further analyzed. More information on the framework for a working EMR was collected from globally trusted sources, such PubMed and Cochrane as well as some optometry books. A prototype for a never-before-seen Visual Electronic Medical Record (VEMR) called ViPo was created and playtested. The visual database was developed solely focusing on ease of use, both writing and reading of the records.

Conclusions Many patient databases rely purely on textboxes. This may lead to misinterpretation, if not filled with care or appropriate language. With ViPo you can see the tests and charts used in the eye examination and interact with the VEMR itself. For example, it is possible to draw the clinical findings directly into ViPo.