To develop confidence in specific examination techniques which are commonly used by ophthalmologists.

To assist students in identifying, recalling, and categorizing information about seven clinical problem areas:

1. visual acuity
2. ophthalmoscopy
3. glaucoma
4. red eye
5. injuries
6. amblyopia and strabismus
7. neuro-ophthalmology

To assist the student in describing and communicating ocular findings with other physicians.

To provide a first-time experience for students to actually work in an ophthalmology practice setting with adult and pediatric patients, their families, and ophthalmic nurses and technicians. This setting provides a balance of outpatient, emergency room, inpatient, and operating room experiences and is directed toward the following:

1. the application of basic science and clinical knowledge to specific eye problems;
2. gaining practical experience and insight into the communication skills, examination techniques, and treatments which are used in the practice of ophthalmology;
3. deciding whether to become an ophthalmologist.

To introduce students to controversial areas of ophthalmology in order to stimulate reading and investigation into these topics.

To develop skill in reading an ophthalmologic consultation which requires a knowledge of specific terminology and abbreviations.

To become familiar with ophthalmic history and examination techniques in order that you can work up a new patient and propose a plan for the investigation and management of his/her specific ocular problem(s).

To develop and demonstrate satisfactory skill in performing the following procedures:

1. recording of visual acuity at near and distance;
   
2. examination of the extraocular muscles (including the cover test) and intraocular muscles (accommodation and pupillary reactions);
   
3. hand light and slit lamp examinations of the external structures of the eye, lids, and lacrimal apparatus;
   
4. examination of the cornea, anterior chamber, iris, lens, and anterior vitreous with a slit lamp;
   
5. ophthalmoscopic examination of the media (cornea, anterior chamber, lens, and vitreous) and fundus (optic disc, macula, and vessels);
   
6. confrontation examination of the peripheral visual fields.

To prepare the student to provide initial management of eye emergencies.