National survey of Canadian ophthalmology residency education.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the current clinical, surgical, and other educational activities of Canadian ophthalmology residents.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Canadian ophthalmology residents postgraduate year (PGY) 2 to 5.


METHODS
An online survey was sent to residents in 2011 and 2014. The data sets were merged and analyzed using descriptive statistics.


RESULTS
The response rate was 41% with an equal distribution across sexes and PGY level. Residents from each program responded. Clinical rotations were led by emergency and comprehensive ophthalmology. The least number of days were spent in oncology, refractive, and low-vision clinics. The mean number of full cases performed by PGY5 was 324 cataracts, 9 trabeculectomies, and 48 horizontal muscles. Most PGY2 to PGY5 students performed more than 10 laser procedures of each type surveyed. Subspecialty surgical volumes varied and were lowest for scleral buckle, refractive laser, penetrating keratoplasty, and floor fracture. The majority of residents received up to 10 hours per week of teaching and 4 to 6 weeks of Royal College study time. Most respondents attended at least 1 funded conference annually and met with program directors twice a year. Research time and grand rounds presentations varied greatly. Forty-six percent of residents had fellowship plans.


CONCLUSIONS
This study describes the current clinical, surgical, and other educational activities across Canadian ophthalmology residency programs. The data allows individual programs to evaluate their training models in relation to broader national trends.
McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Electronic address: Kim.Le@aya.yale.edu.
Kim
K
Le
Western University, London, Canada.
Lulu
L
Bursztyn
University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California USA.
Daniel
D
Rootman
University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
Mona
M
Harissi-Dagher
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D002321:Career Choice; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education*; D013038:Specialization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*