Build Your Own Eye: A Method for Teaching Ocular Anatomy and Pathophysiology

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Ophthalmology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Ocular emergencies are critical but often neglected in medical training.
• A solid understanding of eye anatomy and physiology is essential for diagnosing and treating ocular conditions.
• Medical practitioners need to be well-prepared for dire ocular emergencies that can cause permanent disability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a team-based learning (TBL) module for teaching basic eye anatomy and pathology.
• To enhance learners' understanding of the relationship between ocular anatomy and disease.
• To provide an interactive and engaging method for medical education on ocular topics.

Main Methods:

• A classic team-based learning (cTBL) exercise involving hands-on construction of an eye model.
• Incorporation of immediate and retrospective accountability components (GRAT and IRAT) for reinforcement.
• Anonymous surveys and verbal feedback to assess learner experience and module effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Learners reported increased comfort with ocular anatomy and pathology after the module.
• The hands-on, competitive nature of the exercise enhanced learner enjoyment and engagement.
• The module was perceived as an effective and atypical method for teaching ocular concepts.

Conclusions:

• The "build your own eye" TBL module is an effective educational tool for ocular anatomy and pathology.
• Hands-on, interactive learning modalities can significantly improve learner engagement and knowledge retention.
• Educators should consider learner preferences regarding pre-module preparation for future implementations.