Program Goal

The goal of the MD Ophthalmology program is to train compassionate, community-focused ophthalmologists who can exercise sound clinical judgment in managing medical, surgical, and optical eye problems. Graduates should have a commitment to continually update their knowledge, recognize their professional limits, and uphold the highest ethical standards while demonstrating core human values.

General Objectives

This three-year residency program aims to equip graduates with the following skills:

• Diagnose and manage common ophthalmic diseases.

• Identify complicated eye conditions using available facilities, providing primary care and referring to specialized centers when necessary.

• Understand and explain the pathophysiology of various ophthalmological disorders.

• Manage general ophthalmic emergencies and refer complex cases after initial care.

• Assist in advanced ophthalmic surgeries.

• Plan and implement community-based eye care programs.

• Develop research and thesis-writing skills.

• Foster initiative, creativity, sound judgment, and academic leadership in eye care management.

• Critically analyze scientific literature and keep up-to-date with advancements in ophthalmology.

• Prepare and present scientific papers effectively.

• Communicate efficiently with patients, peers, community members, and healthcare teams.

• Maintain the highest professional ethics.

• Provide education to undergraduates, postgraduates, ophthalmic assistants, nurses, and community eye health workers.

Training Period

The MD Ophthalmology training lasts for three years. The department provides learning opportunities through lectures, hands-on clinical experience, and observation. Individual talents and capacities are acknowledged, and faculty members offer continuous guidance. Failure to meet program expectations may lead to dismissal.

Teaching and Learning Methods

Postgraduate students will undergo full-time residential training, guided by faculty members rotating through different specialty units. The program encourages self-directed learning, with faculty acting mainly as mentors. Formal lectures are limited, while students gain practical experience in outpatient, inpatient, and specialty clinics under supervision. Active participation in clinical discussions, presentations, and journal clubs is expected. Faculty will also supervise thesis work.

Clinical Training

Clinical training is conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, including BP Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies and TU Teaching Hospital, where residents will live and progressively manage patient care responsibilities. Rotations to various national and regional eye hospitals are also included.

Evaluation

Evaluation comprises two parts: formative and summative.

• Formative Evaluation: Conducted every six months through short exams aligned with expected skills, totaling five assessments (Eva 1–5). Clinical performance is logged and evaluated to confirm competency achievement. A minimum score of 50% is required to qualify for the final exam.

• Summative Evaluation: Conducted by the Institute of Medicine’s examination section, consisting of three parts:

  1. Applied Basic Science:

     • Theory (100 marks; pass mark 50) – Subjects include Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics.

     • Practical (100 marks; pass mark 50)

  2. Ophthalmology Theory:

     • Medical Ophthalmology (100 marks; pass mark 50)

     • Surgical Ophthalmology (100 marks; pass mark 50)

  3. Clinical Assessments:

     • Case Presentations (Long and Short cases, 100 marks; pass mark 50)

     • Practical (OSCE) and Viva Voce (100 marks; pass mark 50)

Thesis Writing

Candidates must select and get approval for their thesis topic within six months of starting the program. The thesis must be completed by the end of the second year and submitted at least six months before the final exam. It will be reviewed by both internal and external examiners. Approval of the thesis is mandatory before sitting for the final examination.

Degree Awarded

Candidates who successfully pass all examinations and complete requirements will be awarded the Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Ophthalmology degree by Tribhuvan University.

Eligibility Criteria

• MBBS or an equivalent degree recognized by the Government of Nepal.

• Registration with the Nepal Medical Council.

• Foreign candidates must be registered with their respective medical councils.

• One year of clinical experience (except MDGP and MD/MS in Basic Medical Sciences).

• A minimum of 50% pass marks in the Medical Education Commission’s entrance examination to qualify for the merit list.

Examination Format

• The entrance exam uses a single best response format with multiple-choice questions.

• Each question has four options (A, B, C, D).

• Total questions: 200.

• Question distribution: Recall (30%), Understanding (50%), Application (20%).

• Duration: 3 hours, with a one-time voluntary toilet break allowed after one hour.