The Ophthalmology Mini-Elective Gives Vision to Preclinical Medical Students

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Ophthalmology education is often limited during medical school.
• Preclinical medical students have minimal exposure to this specialty.
• A gap exists in standard medical curricula regarding ophthalmology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce preclinical medical students to the fundamentals of clinical ophthalmology.
• To provide hands-on learning experiences beyond the standard curriculum.
• To enhance ophthalmology education for early-stage medical trainees.

Main Methods:

• A four-session mini-elective course combining didactics and practical skills was developed.
• Students participated in hands-on learning and operating room observation.
• The course was offered annually from 2015 to 2019.

Main Results:

• Post-course surveys indicated increased student comfort with ophthalmologic history and physical examinations.
• Pre- and posttests in 2019 demonstrated significant improvements in ophthalmology knowledge.
• Participant numbers averaged 12 students per year.

Conclusions:

• The Ophthalmology Mini-Elective effectively introduces preclinical students to ophthalmology principles.
• This course serves as a valuable tool to supplement limited core curriculum instruction.
• The program successfully enhanced both practical comfort and theoretical knowledge in ophthalmology.