MD Program

Introduction to Medical Students on the Ophthalmology Rotation

Welcome to your one-week rotation in the Department of Ophthalmology. During this time, we hope that you will receive an overall exposure to Ophthalmology.  You should be able to consolidate your knowledge and practice of Ophthalmology as it relates to being a competent general practitioner. Also, you will have the opportunity to see some sub-specialties of Ophthalmology, the use of diagnostic instruments and ophthalmic surgery.   This will serve to broaden your exposure to this area of medicine, should you be inclined to take up Ophthalmology as a specialty practice.

It is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the very basics of evaluating an ophthalmic patient including pertinent history and examination as taught in the second year small group teaching sessions.   These skills will be reviewed in an orientation session.   We will provide you with a copy of the recommended textbook for your use during the rotation, but we suggest that you buy it and review it prior to the start of your rotation.

In your package is a Diary Sheet which we ask you to fill out, so that we may ensure that the correct teaching staff are paid for their teaching services. Changes in schedule can occur due to conferences, vacations, illness, etc. and we rely on you to report to us which staff members were involved in your teaching. You should always call the doctor’s office you are scheduled to attend to ensure that he/she will be there when you arrive.  If you are sick, you must phone the Undergraduate Coordinator at (604) 875-4111 x62712 and also, of course, the clinics you will miss.

During the rotation, your skills in handling the direct ophthalmoscope and the slit lamp will be evaluated. You will have the responsibility to choose an Ophthalmologist who will administer the test to you and record his/her evaluation on the enclosed form. Also be sure to have each preceptor fill out your Evaluation Form for each ½ day session.

You are expected to log your ophthalmology encounters/procedures on One45 . If encounters/procedures are not documented then they are deemed not to have happened and this might cause you to need additional remedial work for this rotation.   Please also remember that logging of procedures and encounters is a requirement of the Faculty of Medicine.

Proper dress code is required at all times during this rotation – not jeans or “casual clothes.” Please have your ophthalmoscope with you

Please turn in your Diary Sheet and Ophthalmology daily evaluation forms to the Undergraduate Coordinator on the 3rd floor in the Administration Office at the Eye Care Centre by the end of your rotation on Friday. If at any time you wish further information, please call the Undergraduate Coordinator at (604) 875-4111 x62712.

We look forward to your time with us.

Dr. Jane Gardiner, M.D., FRCSC
Director, Undergraduate Training Program
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences