In
developing countries like India, where there is a shortage of
both basic doctors and specialists, medical education stands
at cross roads. It seems inescapable that our medical education
policy has to be oriented towards production of a basic doctor,
a specialist and superspecialist. Recognising the dearth of
ophthalmologists, training of paramedical personnel to help
them is very essential. The teaching programme of the Centre
is aimed as follows:
A.
Post Graduate Teaching
Post
Graduates are given intensive training for a period of 3 years
as resident doctors. Admission to postgraduation course is done
every 6 months and in all 24 students admitted per year. The
teaching programme includes lectures, case conferences, symposia,
journal clubs and demonstrations. Post-graduate teaching is
updated from time to time. The teaching schedule includes the
recent developments and newer trends in various fields of ophthalmology.
Both the basic sciences and clinical courses are spread over
three years. The post graduates are attached with consultants
so that they can be given personal attention. They are given
training in general ophthalmology and in various subspecialities
including microsurgery. They are taught to do all types of surgery
and are also given experience in community ophthalmology especially
during eye camps. Emphasis is given on proper understanding
of their role in the National Programme for Control of Blindness.
The residents at the completion of their training have a very
strong theoretical as well as practical background to provide
all types of ophthalmic services. They are also capable of undertaking
independent research work and teaching of undergraduate students.
The passed out students are holding responsible teaching and
non-teaching positions not only in India but also abroad. Some
sponsored candidates from other countries had post-graduate
training at this Centre.
B.
Undergraduate Teaching
The
undergraduate students are taught ophthalmic examination along
with investigations, diagnosis and management of common eye
disorders. They are made familiar with prevalence of blindness,
preventive and rehabilitative measures available and their role
in the National Programme for Control of Blindness. The teaching
programme includes lectures, seminars, clinical work, field
work and tutorials with the following objectives:
1. To
be able to examine and write case histories of common ocular
disorders in the OPD.
2. To
be able to write histories, do clinical examinations, perform
routine investigations, pre and post operative follow-up during
the ward posting and submit detailed case histories.
3. To
be able to detect common visual defects and common eye diseases
in their early stages.
4. To
be able to define and illustrate general principles of ophthalmic
care.
5. To
be able to identify ocular emergencies and give first aid as
well as choose proper referrals to specialists.
6. To
be able to perform common day to day investigations like I.0.
P. recording, fundoscopy etc. and to be able to undertake minor
surgical procedures like subconjunctival injections, chalazion
etc.
C.
B.Sc. (Hons) Ophthalmic Technique
This
course is of 3 years duration.The objectives of the course are
(i) to achieve general understanding of human biology and basic
medical sciences related to ophthalmology, (ii) to enable candidates
to work under the supervision of an ophthalmologist in hospitals,
clinics and community, in order to help in the execution of
integrated approach of promotive, preventive, diagnostic, curative
and rehabilitative aspects of ophthalmic care, (iv) to be able
to carry out refraction work including contact lenses, (v) to
be able to assess disorders of ocular motility and visual functions,
give orthoptic and pleoptic exercises. The teaching exercises
include lectures, seminars, demonstrations and postings in operation
theatres mobile eye camps and various investigative labs. Admission
to this course is done yearly and about 24 students are admitted.
D.
Continuing Medical Education Programme
(i)
Post Doctoral Workshops
This
Centre has so far held 101 workshops in which specialists from
all over the country have participated. Various specialities
in which workshops were held include eye bank and corneal grafting,
ophthalmo-plastic surgery, glaucoma, contact lens, neuro ophthalmology,
retina, ocular motility and amblyopia (squint), ocular pathology,
lens uvea, ocular trauma, paediatric ophthalmology, medical
ophthalmology and phacoemulsification.
A
large number of National level workshops and seminars under
the auspices of W.H.O., I.C.M.R. and Ministry of Health have
been conducted.
(ii)
Post-doctoral short and long term trainees
A
large number of ophthalmologists from India and abroad have
been trained under this programme. During 2000, 22 short term
trainees visited the Centre.
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