Phase IV Undergraduate Teaching
Vision has a great impact on the quality of life, and thus the teaching of ophthalmology is an integral part of the medical curriculum. It is important for all medical practitioners to develop a basic understanding of the major blinding diseases as well as the ophthalmic manifestations of systemic diseases including medical, metabolic and neurological diseases.
The Department of Ophthalmology is responsible for teaching medical students from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. Our goal in the NUS Undergraduate Ophthalmology Curriculum is to provide a solid foundation in ophthalmology to the students. The knowledge gained during the curriculum will allow the students to take an appropriate ophthalmic history and perform an accurate primary care ophthalmic examination. Each student will gain the ability to diagnose and appropriately manage emergency and common ophthalmic conditions, as well as to properly triage other ocular diseases. The Department organizes and conducts the main systemic clinical posting in Ophthalmology for the 4th year medical students. The students attend lectures, bedside tutorials, and clinical and OT observation. The Department also coordinates the teaching and supervision of these students at all the major restructured hospitals in Singapore. In addition, the academic staff is also actively involved in teaching basic clinical skills, including Fundoscopy skills to pre-clinical students 2nd year.
Syllabus & Programmes
Our undergraduate students are assigned an Ophthalmology Resident and Consultant who will act as their mentors during the course of the clinical attachment.
The following are components of the programme for the undergraduates rotating through the Department of Ophthalmology,NUHS.
Interactive lectures on the following topics
- Basic Ophthalmic Examination
- Anterior segment
- Neuro/Paeds Ophthalmology
- Glaucoma/Oculoplastics
- Vitreoretinal Diseases
- Optometry Sessions on Visual Acuity and Low Vision Rehabilitation
Attachments to the various subspecialty clinics
In addition, there will be opportunities to join research studies which may continue on after the course of their clinical attachment.
Recommended Reading
Essentials of Ophthalmology: For Medical School and Beyond
Written by multi-disciplinary faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology, National University Health System (Singapore), "Essential of Ophthalmology: For Medical School and Beyond" is a reference book for medical undergraduates and residents but the contents will also benefit family physicians who really are the first line of eye-care givers in the community.
For people who are interested to purchase one, do write to flolau33@nus.edu.sg
