title: Training of direct ophthalmoscopy using models.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The time spent on ophthalmology training in medical schools has reduced over the last decades, and the number of doctors unable to solve the most basic ophthalmic problems has increased.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a questionnaire with non-ophthalmologist doctors in order to assess the confidence level of their direct ophthalmoscopy examination. This test is very important for the diagnosis of diseases that could lead to blindness, and should be learned by all medical students.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that the doctors had difficulty and lacked confidence in performing the examination. For this reason, we have developed a new model and teaching method of direct ophthalmoscopy based on neuroscientific concepts. The number of doctors unable to solve the most basic ophthalmic problems has increased DISCUSSION: This model provides students with greater involvement in the learning process as they build their own model, a practice that shows the concepts of the physics behind direct ophthalmoscopy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This will benefit the population by providing an early diagnosis of diseases that threaten life and vision.
authors.affiliation: Ophthalmology Department, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Thiago Gs
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.affiliation: Ophthalmology Department, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Luiza Fa
authors.initials: ALF
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.affiliation: Institute of Physics, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Otaviano
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Helene
authors.affiliation: Physics Depatment, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ricardo V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Martins
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biosciences Libraries, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Andre F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Helene
authors.affiliation: Ophthalmology Department, Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paulo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schor
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D017145:Models, Educational; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education; D009887:Ophthalmoscopy