Ophthalmic skills – Confidence and knowledge of recently graduated doctors

Abstract Purpose Undergraduate medical education in ophthalmology is not standardized in the UK. The purpose of the study was to determine Foundation Year 1 Doctors (FY1) confidence in their own ophthalmic clinical knowledge and skills. Methods Questionnaires were distributed to FY1 at a University Hospital in the United Kingdom. A total of 15 questions were asked and topics ranged from self‐confidence in ophthalmic skills to ones regarding management of common ophthalmic conditions that present to an Accident and Emergency department. Results A total of 20 doctors completed the form. More FY1 felt more confident measuring visual fields (80%) than visual acuity (70%). Only one (5%) was confident in measuring pupillary reflexes. 85% felt that they were not confident in using an ophthalmoscope or needed practise. Even though most were confident in measuring visual fields and 90% could identify a homonymous hemianopia, only 15% could identify a valid cause. Safe management questions were answered poorly with less than 50% correct responses in most questions. 70% indicated an interest in more teaching on practical skills and clinical scenarios in ophthalmology. Conclusion There is a lack of confidence amongst FY1 in clinical skills and in particular with the use of the ophthalmoscope. The majority of FY1 questioned wanted more ophthalmology tuition.