Ophthalmic Education:

International Curriculum Guidelines on Medical Student Education in Ophthalmology: 2. Refraction and Contact Lens

On this page:

• i) Refraction States *
  
  
• ii) Spectacle Correction***
  
  
• iii) Special Lens Material***
  
  
• iv) Contact Lenses**
  
  
• v) Intraocular Lens**
  
  
• vi) Refractive Surgery***
  
  
• vii) A Patient with Low Vision***
  
  
• Competencies*
  
  
• Educational Priorities

The International Council of Ophthalmology Task Force on Medical Student Education in Ophthalmology

Draft, September 16, 2003

Student should understand the following:

(a) The human eye is an optical system
(b) The schematic eye
(c) Pupil size and its effect on visual resolution.
(d) Visual acuity.
(e) Clinical measurement of visual acuity ?Snellen fraction

i) Refraction States (as it affects direct ophthalmoscopy)*

a) Emmetropia
b) Myopia
c) Hyperopia
d) Astigmatism
e) Presbyopia and accommodation

ii) Spectacle Correction***

a) Spherical lenses
b) Bifocals, trifocals, multi-focal lenses

iii) Special Lens Material***

a) Plastic
b) Impact resistant high index glass
c) Polycarbonate lens

iv) Contact Lenses**

Clinically important features of contact lens ?

• Optics
  
• Field of vision
  
• Image size
  
• Hard contact lens
  
• Flexible contact lens
  
• Therapeutic contact lens

v) Intraocular Lens**

Concept only

vi) Refractive Surgery***

Concept only, with some knowledge of principles and indications.

vii) A Patient with Low Vision***

Need for special rehabilitation with low vision optical devices.

Competencies*

• Student should
  • Understand emmetropia, myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia**
    
  • Measure near central acuity*
    
  • Understand optical principles of contact lens, introacular lens, and refractive surgery**
    
  • Understand the need for low vision rehabilitation***

Educational Priorities

In the listing above, essential ophthalmic knowledge and clinical eye care skills are marked with a single asterisk *. This material is basic for all international medical student education.

Information that reflects a greater level of understanding is marked with two asterisks**.

Areas of cognitive and clinical skills that are more appropriate for students who seek further training in ophthalmology are marked with three asterisks***.

While important to ophthalmic care, the Task Force does not regard the cognitive or skill set designated ** or *** as essential to the basic curriculum of most international medical students.

Next: 3.Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

Also see:

• Introduction to the "International Curriculum Guidelines on Medical Student Education in Ophthalmology"
  
  
• Table of Contents for the Curriculum
  
  
• Education of Medical Students in Ophthalmology