PBO
Residency Training Curriculum
What is the PBO-PAO Ophthalmology Curriculum?
By Fay Charmaine Cruz, MD
The Ophthalmology Curriculum, finalized in February 2022, embodies a comprehensive and pioneering approach to ophthalmic education in the Philippines. This curriculum received its certificate of copyright registration from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines in December 2023, marking a significant milestone in its development and recognition.
The Ophthalmology Residency Program, lasting 3-4 years, for which this curriculum is designed for, is specifically developed to cater to the changing requirements of eye care in the country, while also adhering to worldwide benchmarks. The curriculum consists of 18 sections that cover all key subspecialties. These sections are divided into Basic, Standard, and Advanced Levels, which are designed to provide a gradual and progressive learning experience.
The curriculum’s primary objective is to cultivate skilled, principled, and internationally competitive ophthalmologists who can deliver excellent patient care, advance the field, and contribute to the progress of their nation. The program places equal emphasis on clinical competence and professional growth, striking a balance between theoretical understanding, practical abilities, and professional demeanor. The program utilizes an outcomes-based methodology, incorporating well-defined competencies and performance indicators that are in accordance with the standards set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
The establishment of the curriculum is a direct response to the dynamic changes occurring in the field of ophthalmology, which include technology developments, shifting patient demographics, and intricate ethical dilemmas. The concept departs from the conventional apprenticeship model and adopts a systematic, curriculum-based approach that precisely outlines objectives, expectations, and skills. The content is designed to be versatile and pliable, enabling adaptation according to local and institutional resources while upholding rigorous standards in all training programs.
An essential characteristic of the curriculum is the integration of contemporary educational ideas and evaluation methodologies. The document delineates a range of pedagogical approaches, encompassing interactive instruction, small group dialogues, and inquiry-driven education. The Ophthalmic Clinical Evaluation Exercise (OCEX) and Global Rating Assessment of Skills in Intraocular Surgery (GRASIS) are assessment instruments that guarantee a thorough evaluation of residents’ advancement.
The curriculum also places a strong emphasis on quality assurance by implementing a thorough accreditation process for training institutions and conducting frequent reviews. This curriculum, created through a collaborative effort between the Philippine Board of Ophthalmology and the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, establishes a higher benchmark for ophthalmology education in the Philippines.
The development process involved significant contributions from various subspecialty societies, including representatives from Optics and Refraction, Cataract and Lens, Cornea and External Diseases, Refractive Surgery, Glaucoma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Ophthalmic Pathology, Ocular Oncology, Oculoplastic Surgery and Orbit, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Vitreoretinal Diseases, Uveitis and Ocular Inflammation, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Ethics and Professionalism in Ophthalmology, Community Eye Health, Research and Evidence-based Medicine, and Office/Practice Management. This combined endeavor guarantees a thorough and all-encompassing approach to the education of ophthalmology.
The objective of this curriculum is to guarantee that ophthalmology training in the Philippines maintains a comprehensive and current approach, enabling the production of experts who can effectively address the eye care requirements of the people and contribute to the progress of the field.