During the implementation of the Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology programme the student will act as the centrepiece around which all activities will revolve.
To make this possible problem based learning will be used as the main strategy. A multifaceted approach that encourages active self-directed learning will be adopted. This will appropriate combination of the following learning experiences (e.g.): small group tutorials, lectures, case presentations,assignments (e.g. Journal Club meeting), supervised clinical and surgical exposure and self-directed learning.
This will enable the Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology student at the University of Nairobi to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes appropriate for the medical and surgical management of patients.
Candidates eligible for admission into the Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology programme at the University of Nairobi shall have the following qualifications and characteristics:
Recognized MBCHB degree or its equivalent
Successfully completed intern-ship
Must have stereoscopic vision
Registrable with the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board of Kenya
In addition to provision of evidence of eligibility for admission, candidates may be required by the faculty to appear for interview to determine their suitability for admission.
Transfer of Credits
The regulations for the Masters Degree in the University of Nairobi and the faculty of Medicine shall apply.
A Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology candidate may be allowed to transfer up to a maximum of one third of the course content provided that these are from institutions recognized by the Senate of the University of Nairobi.
Applicants seeking transfer of credits shall send a formal application to the Director, Board of Postgraduate Studies through the Dean, Faculty of Medicine University of Nairobi seeking transfer of credit, justification of request and attached evidence of credentials, which would support such request.
Applicants will only be allowed to transfer units, which are equivalent and/or at the same level with what is offered by the University of Nairobi.
Course Design
The design of the Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology curriculum is student centred and problem based. The courses are as much as possible integrated, community oriented and systematically arranged.
Course Structure
The duration of Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology course shall be three academic years.
The Structure of this curriculum is based on three levels of knowledge, which spiral from one to the other:
The first level of study at the University of Nairobi comprises of basic sciences (e.g. Anatomy, physiology, optics, pharmacology, pathology and microbiology related to the eye) is required for understanding the later courses in the programme.
The next level of study at the University of Nairobi is applied pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, community eye health and research methodology which to the level of clinical ophthalmology. This final level comprises mostly surgical and clinical courses during which the practical aspects of the programme are undertaken to bring out the skills required. This structure provides for a systematic integration of theory and practice.
It should be noted that levels referred to are levels of knowledge and do not necessarily correspond to a particular term or academic year of study.
In order to achieve the above objectives, the course shall be divided into two parts:
A) Part I
In part I of the course basic visual sciences will be taught through formal lectures and tutorials. The students will be expected to familiarise themselves with basic diagnostic techniques, using various ophthalmic equipment. They will be in charge of clerking patients and assisting in various surgical procedures,They will also be expected to perform a certain number of minor surgical procedures. A booklet indicating various procedures to be covered will be given to every student.
B) Part II
In part II of the course the trainees will be expected to have a good theoretical background of the clinical and surgical ophthalmology, which will be taught in lectures, tutorial and seminars. This part of the course will however stress on clinical work in the wards, in regular consultants clinics and supervised outreach activities. The students will be expected to perform a number of extra-ocular and intra-ocular operations. A booklet indicating various procedures to be covered will be given to every student. The student will be expected to implement self-directed learning, by developing a self-responsible attitude towards clinical work both in the wards and in the clinics. They will also be expected to teach their juniors including undergraduate medical students and paramedical trainees.
C) Elective Terms
Every student shall spend an elective term period of 8 weeks each during the 2nd and 3rd year of the course. This period is meant to expose the student to community ophthalmology and give him/her an insight into the function of a provincial ophthalmologist in performing, organising and supervising ophthalmic clinical services. It will also give the student an opportunity to observe and learn the administrative pattern involved in community ophthalmology.
Research Project:
During the 2nd and 3rd academic year students shall carry out individual research on a selected topic in ophthalmology under the guidance of at least two supervisors appointed by the department and present the same as a written thesis after approval by the department. Research proposals shall be presented to the department and an appropriate ethics committee as required by the Faculty of Medicine. The written thesis shall be presented not later than three months prior to the final examinations.
Outreach activities:
Throughout the course the students will be expected to fully participate in the various outreach activities organized by the department for the purpose of enhancing clinical skills and exposure to community ophthalmology.
Course Outline
First year 1
Principle of ocular sciences and basic clinical ophthalmology(1,882)
Anatomy and embryology, Physiology and biochemistry, Optics and refraction, Basic pathology,pharmacology and microbiology, Basic clinical ophthalmology, Basic community eye health and research methodology.
Second year 2
Principles and practise of Ophthalmology 1(2,821)
Applied ocular pathology, pharmacology and Microbiology 1, Advanced clinical ophthalmology 1, Advanced community eye health and research methodology 1, Research project 1.
Third year 3
Principles and Practise of Ophthalmology II(2,199)
Applied ocular pathology,pharmacology and microbiology II, Advanced clinical Ophthalmology II, Advanced community eye health & research methodology II, Research project II.
L=lecture, T=tutorial,
S=Seminar, P=practical, hrs=contact hours.
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