Basics in Ophthalmology for Medical Students

Overview

This course equips medical students with the core skills needed to assess common eye complaints in clinical practice. Through a stepwise approach, students learn how to take an ophthalmic history, measure visual acuity and near vision, use pinhole testing, examine the anterior segment, and interpret key red eye and vision loss patterns. You will learn how to assess pupils, detect a relative afferent pupillary defect, perform bedside visual field testing, and examine eye movements including cover tests for misalignment. The course also introduces direct ophthalmoscopy and recognition of common optic disc and retinal findings such as glaucoma cupping and diabetic retinopathy.

What you will learn

• be able to take a focused ophthalmic history and identify red flag symptoms that require urgent same day referral.
• be able to measure and document distance and near visual acuity accurately, including the use of pinhole testing when appropriate.
• be able to assess pupils and interpret direct and consensual light responses, anisocoria, and a relative afferent pupillary defect.
• be able to perform confrontation visual fields, assess eye movements and alignment, and obtain a basic fundus view with a direct ophthalmoscope to recognize common abnormal findings.

Syllabus

1. 1. Ophthalmology for Medical Students

2. 2. Visual Acuity Testing

3. 3. Anterior Segment Examination with Slit Lamp

4. 4. Extraocular Motility and Cover Test

5. 5. Pupil Examination

6. 6. Direct Ophthalmoscopy Technique

Prerequisites

No formal prerequisites are required, but students should have a basic understanding of general anatomy and physiology and a preliminary awareness of common eye conditions from prior medical teaching.