As communities witnessed the many events in the first half of this historic year - a peaceful change of government in the national stage, a record 33,000-plus outpatient consults in the Sentro Oftalmologico Jose Rizal (SOJR) - the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences (DOVS) managed to host two learning activities offerred to the general public. With the Residents Alumni Association (ORAA) in the lead - headed by President Dr. Mary Rose Pe-Yan - faculty, alumni, staff and physical plant resources were marshalled to deliver two basic courses, each attended by over one hundred trainees from all over the country. The Third Basic Course in Phacoemulsification was offered on February 27-28 (http://efocalpoint.pao.org.ph/v7n1/index.php?route=pavblog/blog&id=23), while the first Basic Course in Clinical Diagnostics and Instrumentation was delivered on May 21-22.
The first Basic Course in Clinical Diagnostics and Instrumentation unfolded on May 21-22. Faculty from the DOVS subspecialty sections conducted comprehensive reviews which were supplemented by end-of-the-day small group discussions and skills-transfer opportunities.
Resources of the DOVS and SOJR were supplemented by generous loans by industry partners Appasamy, Hollywood Optical Supply, and Medilight. Model eyes demonstrating various diseases were available not only for slit lamp examination but indirect ophthalmoscopy as well. Company product lineups were also set up, permitting participants to have a feel of different models of various instruments. Expert guidance in lensometer and keratometer use were provided by visting colleagues in optometry.
Course faculty strived to build on knowledge areas where supplementation would benefit participants in a wide range of settings -- such as in various subspecialty case small group discussions, fundus drawings, and complete reporting of findings. Emphasis was given to the value of actively and industriously developing skills while in training, just as boards candidates were encouraged to continuously practice in the run-up to the oral examinations.
As the second half of 2016 comes through, the DOVS, animated by its various constituents - the UP system, its generous faculty, loyal staff, hardy trainees, generous industry partners, and faithful patients - joins the nation in hoping that the historic changes upon us all shall permit it to continue to work for the advancement of the art and science of ophthalmology in the country.
Resources of the DOVS and SOJR were supplemented by generous loans by industry partners Appasamy, Hollywood Optical Supply, and Medilight. Model eyes demonstrating various diseases were available not only for slit lamp examination but indirect ophthalmoscopy as well. Company product lineups were also set up, permitting participants to have a feel of different models of various instruments. Expert guidance in lensometer and keratometer use were provided by visting colleagues in optometry.
Course faculty strived to build on knowledge areas where supplementation would benefit participants in a wide range of settings -- such as in various subspecialty case small group discussions, fundus drawings, and complete reporting of findings. Emphasis was given to the value of actively and industriously developing skills while in training, just as boards candidates were encouraged to continuously practice in the run-up to the oral examinations.
As the second half of 2016 comes through, the DOVS, animated by its various constituents - the UP system, its generous faculty, loyal staff, hardy trainees, generous industry partners, and faithful patients - joins the nation in hoping that the historic changes upon us all shall permit it to continue to work for the advancement of the art and science of ophthalmology in the country.