Clinical Ophthalmology

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Department
Ophthalmology
Course Number
OPHT 381
Course Title Clinical Ophthalmology
Course Director
Mehdi Tavakoli Dastjerdi, MD
Length (Weeks)

2, 4
When Offered

See notes
Prerequisites

See notes
Availability Notes

From June through December, this course is available by reservation only - students should seek approval from Pat Johnson (MS4s preferred for 4 week rotations only). From January through May, enrollment is open and MS3s may take the course (2 week rotations only). Not offered to MS2s or rising MS3s.
Contact Name
Pat Johnson
Contact Phone
202-741-2493
Contact Fax
Contact Email
patjohnson@mfa.gwu.edu
Other Contacts

Dr. Tavakoli Dastjerdi (mdastjerdi@mfa.gwu.edu)
Location

MFA Ophthalmology Administrative Suite 2A-420
Report to Pat Johnson by 7:45 am to the MFA Ophthalmology Administrative Office 2A-420
Limit
4
Report

MFA Ophthalmology Administrative Office 2-302; 7:45am to Pat Johnson. Please call/email Ms. Johnson one week prior to the start of the rotation to confirm your position.
Evaluation

Uniform Clinical Evaluation, written examination, oral presentation
Description

The rotation consists of observation and participation in the examination, diagnosis, and management of wide variety of ocular conditions in ambulatory patients. There is the opportunity to observe both in clinic and in the operating rooms. All subspecialties of ophthalmology are available and students are rotated through the depart­ment to enhance the overall exposure to ophthalmology. If interested a portion of the elective can be arranged at Children’s National Health System with the pediatric ophthalmology faculty. Emphasis is placed on conducting a general ophthalmic examination with recognition of abnormal findings and management of common ocular diseases. 

Course Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Describe the basic anatomy of the eye (eyelids, conjunctiva, sclera, cornea, anterior chamber, iris, lens, vitreous, retina, choroid, optic nerve).
  2. Identify ophthalmic emergencies and their initial management.
  3. Demonstrate understanding of common ophthalmic conditions and how to diagnose and manage them.
  4. Perform a pertinent ophthalmic history and physical including: taking visual acuity, measuring intraocular pressure, and performing a slit lamp examination and direct ophthalmoscopy (or, for those interested in a career in ophthalmology, learning indirect ophthalmoscopy at the slit lamp and headlamp).
  5. Demonstrate understanding of common systemic illnesses with ophthalmic manifestations, and the adverse ophthalmic effects of some systemic medications.
  6. Recognize the role of the ophthalmologist in the hospital and the outpatient world (e.g., when to refer, how/when to consult).
  7. Present an ophthalmic history and physical in a concise but complete manner.
  8. If interested in ophthalmology – prepare a five-minute presentation on an interesting case or topic for your last week of the rotation.
    • Keep a log of interesting cases you see! We’ll be happy to help you learn about them so that you can present them at the end of your rotation.
Additional Notes
  • June through December - by reservation only (students should seek approval from Pat Johnson). MS4s preferred for 4 week rotations only.
  • January through May - open enrollment, 2 week rotations only. The course is open to MS3s during this time.
  • This course is not offered to MS2s or rising MS3s.