Preservation and Restoration of Vision:

Vision for the Future, Part 2: Ophthalmic Education and Training - Task Force on Medical School Curriculum

Mark O. M. Tso, MD, Goal Chairman
Bradley R. Straatsma, MD, Goal Co-Chairman
Gerhard Lang, MD
Yasuo Tano, MD

The International Council of Ophthalmology and the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis are deeply concerned about ophthalmology teaching programs to medical students worldwide, and therefore establish a Task Force on Medical School Curriculum as a part of The International Ophthalmology Strategic Plan to Preserve and Restore Vision - Vision for the Future.

After deliberation, the Task Force concluded that:

1. Due to the continuous aging of the world population in the 21st century, increasing longevity of human life worldwide, and eye diseases such as cataract, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, etc., being part of the aging process, eye care becomes increasingly important in the general practice of medicine.
   
   
2. As the economic conditions of the countries of the world improve, quality of life becomes increasingly important to all people, and vision is one of the most vital functions for the enjoyment of life.
   
   
3. We believe that primary eye care, including the recognition of eye disease, should be the responsibility of family physicians.
   
   
4. Ophthalmic manifestations of systemic disease are commonly seen in association with medical, neurological and metabolic diseases. A solid education in ophthalmology is part of a complete education of the modern physician.
   
   
5. As a result, the Task Force on Medical School Curriculum recommends that the education program of all medical students include:
   
   
   1. A basic understanding of the anatomy and functions of the eye and visual system;
      
      
   2. Knowledge regarding the ophthalmic manifestations of systemic disease such as hypertension, neurological disease and medical disease;
      
      
   3. Information regarding diagnosis and treatment of major ophthalmic diseases such as amblyopia, strabismus, cataract, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, and information regarding diagnosis and treatment of major causes of blindness and visual disability in the geographic area of the medical student.
      
      

The curriculum for all medical students should include an objective assessment of knowledge and skills and enable the medical school graduate to provide an appropriate level of primary eye care and to recognize the indications and needs for referral to specialty ophthalmology management.

June 30, 2000

Next: Ophthalmic Education and Training - Task Force on Ophthalmology Resident and Specialist Training in Ophthalmology

Also see: Table of Contents for Vision for the Future