Ophthalmology faculty, optometry providers, fellows, and residents in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences taught 170 medical students how to do an eye exam as part of the School of Medicine and Public Health’s Mind and Motion course.
Mind & Motion is a 10-week course in which students learn about the nervous system and special senses, musculoskeletal system, and behavioral health. It is the final block in the Phase 1 preclinical curriculum. The ophthalmology clinical skills sessions, which are part of the larger course, are held on two Saturday mornings in November in the University Station Eye Clinic.
The purpose of the Saturday ophthalmology session is to demonstrate the different tools ophthalmologists use and how to conduct an ophthalmic examination at the level of a general practitioner.
“Mind and Motion is designed to be a very interactive learning experience,” said course director Travis Rumery, DO. “We include all steps of the basic ophthalmic exam, from checking visual acuity to performing fundoscopy. These learners have had lectures on the eye exam and anatomy but have not yet had the opportunity to use ophthalmoscopes or slit lamps. Therefore, we understand that a single four-hour session cannot train a first-year medical student to be a proficient examiner in an unsupervised setting. Our goal is simply to provide these students with their initial exposure to the essential techniques they will need to master.”
“Students appreciate the participation and close attention they receive from the ophthalmology faculty, fellows, and residents during the session,” said Meghan Cotter, who is the integrated block leader for the Mind and Motion course. “Having so many folks from the department available to lead the small groups has made for a very collaborative and exciting learning environment.”
“The biggest objective is to help these students realize how awesome ophthalmology really is,” Dr. Rumery said. “Throughout my years of teaching this course, I have realized that the most rewarding aspect for me and my fellow volunteers is witnessing the enthusiasm on the learners’ faces as they uncover the fascinating nature of the eye. This experience motivates us educators throughout the entire year.”
