Perceived satisfaction of ophthalmology residents with the current iranian ophthalmology curriculum

Abstract

Objective: To assess the level of perceived satisfaction with the current Iranian ophthalmologycurriculum in ensuring that residents acquire required competencies in various ophthalmologyfields.Methods: A closed-ended questionnaire was circulated to 100 residents or recently graduatedophthalmologists in Iran to measure their level of satisfaction about clinical conferences, journalclubs, scientific lectures, wet lab, simulation, evidence-based practice, and outpatient clinic andoperating room training. They also cited the main barriers to a successful board exam.Results: Ninety-nine questionnaires were completed and returned. Mean age of the responderswas 31 ط¢آ± 4.56 years. A total of 36 (36.4%) responders expressed an overall satisfaction aboutthe residency program, and 49 (49.5%) did not feel happy about the state of teaching evidencebaseddecision making. They identified cataract surgery and eyeglass prescription as the mostcommon regularly functioning modalities in their centers. The majority of the participants statedthey have received appropriate training in cataract surgery (71%), but only 9% were satisfiedwith the provided training in glaucoma or vitreous and retinal surgery. Nevertheless, their overallsatisfaction with their outpatient skills was good.Conclusion: The ophthalmologists felt quite confident in management of uncomplicatedcases, especially cataract surgery at the level of general ophthalmology, but future studies canassess the effect of new practice-based teaching methods on the residents' clinical training andeventually on patient care. ط¢آ© 2011 Mostafaei and Hajebrahimi, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd.