The retina is one of the few parts of the central nervous system observable from the exterior. The direct ophthalmoscope enables the user to screen the wellbeing of the retina, optic nerve, vasculature and vitreous humour, with the examination generating an upright image of 10-15 times magnification. Fundoscopic examination can identify pathological process otherwise invisible and is a useful tool in staging the degree of both diabetes and hypertension. The direct ophthalmoscope is still an important instrument for fundoscopic examination in clinical practice.