The state of ophthalmic education in medical schools: a UK perspective

Abstract

This article was migrated. The article was not marked as recommended. There is a growing body of literature suggesting a decline in undergraduate ophthalmic education. Anecdotally and in the literature, ophthalmology is a specialty that many students and doctors feel lacking in knowledge and skills, which may put patient-care at risk.The aim of this review was to investigate (with an emphasis on systematic review of literature, complimented by snapshot-survey of student representatives from U.K. medical schools) the current status of ophthalmology education provided at U.K. medical schools as well as students' perception of their preparedness for future practice, to guide the future of ophthalmic education. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using Embase, Health Management Information Consortium and Ovid MEDLINE. Simultaneously, a survey was sent out to all U.K. medical schools to ascertain the current status of undergraduate ophthalmology education and students' perception on preparedness for future practice.Results showed that though more schools are now providing an ophthalmic education, the length of teaching has eroded. Almost 10% of medical schools reported no formal ophthalmic education. Almost half of the total surveyed felt 'unprepared' or 'very unprepared' for future practice. We recommend the General Medical Council and Medical Schools Council to work together with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists to improve the current situation.