Ophthalmology undergraduate education in Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To compile a database recording components of undergraduate education in ophthalmology in Canada.

DESIGN: Mailed questionnaire survey.

SETTING: The 16 Canadian medical schools.

PARTICIPANTS: All ophthalmology undergraduate program directors.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Teaching hours, subjects and clinical skills taught, examination methods.

RESULTS: Almost all schools covered a similar curriculum and used multiple-choice examinations. The number of hours devoted to preclerkship teaching was similar, but only seven schools had a mandatory clerkship rotation. Overall, 69% of the annual graduating medical school class receive clinical exposure to ophthalmology during their clerkship. Almost all schools provided electives that were similar in structure.

CONCLUSIONS: There was great similarity in the curricula for medical student teaching in Canada. Efforts should be undertaken to increase the proportion of medical students receiving clinical teaching in ophthalmology. Increased coordination and collaboration in undergraduate teaching can be achieved in specific areas with future data sharing.