# Effectiveness of surgical training in ophthalmology residency programs in Brazil

## TL;DR

This study examines whether comprehensive surgical training for all ophthalmology residents in Brazil is still necessary given increased access to subspecialists.

## Contribution

The study provides evidence on the effectiveness of current surgical training practices in Brazilian ophthalmology residency programs.

## Key findings

- Most ophthalmologists received training in cataract, glaucoma, oculoplastic, and strabismus surgeries during residency.
- Many specialists no longer perform most of these surgeries in practice, except for cataract surgery.
- A significant portion of residents wished they had received better surgical preparation.

## Abstract

In Brazil, it has traditionally been standard practice to teach a wide range
of surgical techniques to all ophthalmology residents, with the aim of
equipping them to manage most ocular conditions. However, with modern
developments, access to subspecialists has expanded to nearly the entire
country. This raises the question of whether it is still necessary to teach
numerous surgical techniques to every resident. This study evaluates the
effectiveness of surgical training in Brazilian ophthalmology residency
programs to determine if comprehensive surgical training for all residents
is truly effective, thereby providing evidence to inform educational policy
decisions.

A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire distributed to physicians
engaged in eye care.

A total of 137 physicians responded to the survey, with 104 (76.0%) having
already completed their specialization. The findings indicate that most
practicing ophthalmologists received surgical training during residency in
cataract, glaucoma, oculoplastic, and strabismus surgeries. Nonetheless,
many of these specialists no longer perform most of these surgeries in
practice, except for cataract surgery. While 53.8% of those who completed
residency reported satisfaction with their training, 35.6% indicated that
they wished they had received better surgical preparation.

The training of ophthalmology specialists must be made more efficient.
Training efficiency is reduced when time and resources are devoted to
surgical procedures that many specialists will not perform in their
careers.