Accuracy, acceptability and feasibility of photography for use in trachoma surveys: a mixed methods study in Tanzania

Summary

This article explores the potential of photography to train individuals to diagnose trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) and ensure accurate field TF grading in areas of low endemicity. In a study of 100 children in Tanzania, smartphone and DSLR images of eyelids were compared to field grading. Photo grading tended to underdiagnose TF, with DSLR images performing better than smartphones. About 20% of photos were ungradable.

Focus group discussions indicated that communities and trainers found photography acceptable and preferred smartphones to DSLR in terms of practicalities. The authors conclude that further work is needed to ensure high-quality images that enable accurate and consistent grading before routine implementation in trachoma surveys.