Overcoming barriers in access to ophthalmic education with virtual learning

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ophthalmology medical student teaching: educational innovations, challenges, and future directions

“…Furthermore, it was found that such open-access virtual platforms may mitigate inequities in accessing high-quality medical education. 12 Medskl.com, a free online learning resource, conducted an ophthalmology program for medical students that comprised four synchronous webinars held weekly and six asynchronous video modules that could be completed independently. 12 …”

“… 12 Medskl.com, a free online learning resource, conducted an ophthalmology program for medical students that comprised four synchronous webinars held weekly and six asynchronous video modules that could be completed independently. 12 …”

“…Participants also reported that access to virtual ophthalmology learning increased equitability and inclusion to medical education, and those who attended more webinar sessions were less likely to feel socially isolated. 12 …”

“… 3 , 7 , 9 , 16 , 17 , 22 , 30 , 32 Although the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus pandemic disrupted education globally, ophthalmic educators rapidly transformed their curricula to novel and effective virtual formats. 3 , 6 , 12 , 16 , 22 , 30 , 32 While the COVID-19 outbreak has been one of the most significant challenges faced by educators, it has also provided an impetus to develop innovative teaching practices, bringing with it unprecedented success in allowing medical students to continue their education in ophthalmology despite these challenges. These innovations may persist even after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and may offer medical students’ opportunities inaccessible previously due to higher costs of travel and accommodation.`…”

Comment on: “Overcoming barriers in access to ophthalmic education with virtual learning”

“…We appreciated the article titled "Overcoming barriers in access to ophthalmic education with virtual learning" by He et al [1]. They highlighted the importance of virtual formats in ophthalmic education, the good acceptance of webinars among medical students, and the potential benefits beyond the current COVID-19pandemic-related restrictions [1]. Multiple e-learning formats have been introduced for medical students and ophthalmology trainees to ensure the continuity of ophthalmic education [2,3].…”