The Ophthalmology Training Program intends to produce competent general Ophthalmologists that have excellent knowledge both in medicla and surgical Ophthalmology.

We will strive to achieve excellence in clinical and surgical ophthalmic training, research activities and education in the field of ophthalmology.

The general objectives of the program are to fulfil the six ACGME-I competencies as below:
1. Medical Knowledge
· Demonstrates basic science and up-to-date clinical knowledge.
Ø Is able to identify & discuss path physiology of disease processes; can intelligently discuss evaluation, diagnosis & treatment of various ophthalmic disorders; understands rationale for varied approaches to clinical problems; seeks new information by searching the literature& asking questions; cites recent literature when appropriate; asks knowledgeable & well-informed questions.
· Uses knowledge & analytical thinking to address clinical questions.
Ø Uses effective problem-solving techniques; demonstrates sound clinical judgment; applies analytical approach to clinical situations.
2. Patient Care
· Demonstrates comprehensive assessment and management.
Ø Obtains complete & accurate patient histories; performs thorough & appropriate ophthalmic exams; orders diagnostic tests; integrates information meaningfully & coherently; generates appropriate differential diagnosis.
· Assesses problems and provides the ongoing management of patients.
Ø Develops appropriate evaluation & treatment plan for patients; anticipates patient needs; effectively identifies & manages clinical problems; writes clear & appropriate plans; and arranges follow -up visits.
· Makes informed diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
Ø Synthesizes evidence in making a diagnosis and subsequent therapeutic decisions; utilizes subspecialty consultation appropriately; identifies available resources to support decision; works collaboratively with consultants to ensure timely diagnostic/therapeutic interventions.
· Responds appropriately to the emergency clinical problems.
Ø Quickly responds to changing clinical situations; initiates appropriate interventions; utilizes consultants to ensure appropriate clinical response.
· Demonstrates procedural skills appropriate to level of training.
Ø Demontrates appropriate manual technique and dexterity in performing procedures; shows appropriate confidence and proficiency with all technical aspects of the procedure; in performing a procedure, demonstrates awareness of the indications, contraindications and complications of the procedure
2. Practice-Based Learning & Improvement (PBLI)
· Understands concepts of Quality Improvement and integrates these into practice.
Ø Compares own outcomes to accepted guidelines & national or peer data; reflects on critical incidents to identify strengths & weaknesses; monitors effects of practice changes& improvements.
· Critically evaluates scientific literature and applies to clinical practice.
Ø Determines how learning deficits or weaknesses can be addressed; seeks feedback; does extra reading & practice when needed; seeks information from the literature; critically appraises research evidence or applicability to patient care; uses information technology (IT) resources to aid learning.
Ø Implements improvement activities Changes practice patterns & other behaviors in response to feedback; applies new skills or knowledge to patient care; tailors research evidence to care of individual patients; uses IT to improve patient care.
· Facilitates the learning of others.
Ø Explains clinical reasoning & procedures to colleagues; provides clinically useful information in response to learner questions; directs learners to useful resources.
3. Interpersonal & Communication Skills
· Communicates effectively with patients and their families.
Ø Allows patient to tell his/her own story; listens attentively; uses non-technical language when explaining & counseling; involves patient or family in decision-making; encourages questions & checks for understanding; demonstrates ability to counsel patient and obtain informed consent.
· Communicates effectively with other healthcare professionals.
Ø Maintains complete & legible medical records; writes clear & concise consultation reports & referral letters; makes organized & concise presentations of patient information; gives clear & well-prepared presentations.
· Works effectively with other members of the healthcare team.
Ø Demonstrates courtesy to and consideration of consultants, therapists, & other team members; invites others to share their knowledge & opinions; makes requests not demands; negotiates & compromises when disagreements occur; handles conflict constructively
4. Professionalism
· Demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior; Accepts responsibility and follows through on tasks.
Ø Takes responsibility for actions willingly; admits mistakes; puts patient needs above own interests; recognizes & addresses ethical dilemmas & conflicts of interest; maintains patient confidentiality; is industrious & dependable; completes tasks carefully & thoroughly; responds to requests in a helpful & prompt manner.
· Practices within the scope of his/her abilities.
Ø Recognizes limits of his/her abilities; asks for help when needed; refers patients when appropriate; exercises authority accorded by position and /or experience.
· Demonstrates care and concern for patients and their families regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation; responds to each patient’s unique characteristics and needs.
Ø Responds appropriately to patient & family emotions; establishes rapport; provides reassurance; is respectful & considerate; does not rush; is sensitive to issues related to each patient’s culture, age, gender & disabilities; provides equitable care regardless of patient culture or socioeconomic status
5. Systems-based Practice (SBP)
· Provides cost-conscious effective medical care.
Ø Effective medical care Considers costs and benefits of tests & treatments; adheres to established patient care pathways; does not order unnecessary tests.
· Works to promote patient safety. Ø Identifies system causes of medical error; anticipates & responds to patient care problems; adheres to protocols that ensure patient safety; accepts input from the patient care team.
· Coordinates care with other healthcare providers.
Ø Obtains consultation when needed; communicates with other providers; resolves differences in treatment plans; reconciles contradictory advice; Assures patient awareness of available care options; makes appropriate referrals; assists with arrangements & follow-up to ensure appropriate care.

Program Director

DR. MOHAMMED SAID SALIM AL ABRI

Duration of the Residency Training Program

Duration of the Program:

· 5 years of structured training; total of 65 periods, 13 blocks per year, each block is 4 weeks’ duration. These 5 years will be divided into 4 initial years of actual ophthalmology training to meet the ACGME-I requirements and a final 5th year as a year of electives/sub-specialization year to meet the OMSB requirements of 5 years of ophthalmology training.

· Rotation consists of blocks of periods designed in subspecialty.

· Rotations will be designed at the beginning of each academic year by the Program Director.

· On-call schedule will be put up at the beginning of each block by the corresponding hospital in which the resident is rotating in.

Trainee must fulfill a minimum of 75% of each period (3 weeks)

Core Structure:

The main training of Residents will be conducted in one of the OMSB accredited hospitals Al-Nahdha Hospital (ANH), Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH) & Armed Forces Hospital (AFH). Courses and some Elective rotations will be conducted in other centers and hospitals accredited by OMSB as it will be explained below in the respective items.

 The 5 years ophthalmic training will be divided as followed:

 1. 4 Years’ Ophthalmology training to meet the ACGME-I requirements:

· In the first (PGY1) year, residents will be rotating in medical/general ophthalmology rotations (ward, ophthalmology emergencies, general ophthalmology and pediatric ophthalmology) with introduction to ophthalmic surgeries (mainly extraocular surgeries)

 · In the second and fourth (PGY2& PGY4) year, residents will be rotating in various ophthalmology subspecialties (retina, pediatric ophthalmology, oculoplastics, neuro-ophthalmology, glaucoma, refractive surgery and anterior segment). These two years will be consolidated to gain ophthalmic surgical skills with more responsibilities to patient's care. There will be two blocks set aside for Basic Science Course in Saudi Arabia in year two and two research blocks, one in year two and one in year four.

 · The third (PGY3) year will be a surgical ophthalmology (intraocular surgery) year; residents will be trained to perform various ophthalmic surgeries with main focus on the updated cataract surgeries. In addition, there will be one block of phaco elective rotation in India.

 2. The Final (PGY5) Year - OMSB requirements year.

· This is a subspecialty in ophthalmology year. Residents will have the option to choose between different ophthalmic subspecialties.

 General rotation outlines of the ophthalmology residency:

 · All year level training is divided into 13 blocks (12 rotations plus 1 annual leave)

· PGY-1: Total of 13 blocks distributed as follows: 1 block in Optics and Refraction, 1 block Ward posting, 3 blocks in Pediatric Ophthalmology, 4 blocks in General Ophthalmology, 3 blocks in Emergency Ophthalmology and 1 block annual leave.

 · PGY-2: Total of 13 blocks distributed as follows: 2 blocks Basic Science Course (KSA), 2 blocks in Oculoplastics, 3 blocks in Anterior Segment, and 1 block of each of the following rotation: Glaucoma, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Vitreo-retina, Ward, and Research as well as 1 block annual leave.

 · PGY-3: Total of 13 blocks distributed as follows; 11 blocks in Surgical Ophthalmology/Intraocular surgeries, one block Phaco Course (India) and 1 block annual leave. Residents will be distributed in three affiliated hospitals (ANH, SQUH and AFH) and will focus on lens and cataract surgeries.

 · PGY-4: Total of 13 blocks distributed as follows: one block in Neuro-Ophthalmology, 1 block in Research, 1 block in Refractive Surgery, 2 blocks in Oculoplastic, 3 blocks in Vitreo-retina, 2 blocks Glaucoma, 2 blocks in Pediatric Ophthalmology, and 1 block annual leave.

 · PGY-5: Total of 13 blocks, 12 blocks will be elective rotations among various Ophthalmology Subspecialties (Pediatric Ophthalmology, Oculoplastic, Refractive Surgeries, Neuro-Ophthalmology, Glaucoma, and Vitreo-retina) and 1 annual leave. There will be four rotations during this year each rotation of 3 blocks. The rotation will be determined by the residents after arrangement with the Program Director.

SPECIALTY ADMISSION CRITERIA

 1. The trainee is selected as per the OMSB rules and regulations.

2. The number of residents accepted each year will be decided by the ophthalmology training program after approval from OMSB.

3. The trainee:

a. Should register with OMSB and abide by all its bylaws.

b. Must pass an interview conducted by the Ophthalmology Education Committee.

c. Should demonstrate interest in Ophthalmology.

d. Must successfully complete his / her Internship which requires submission of records of completion.

e. Should be medically fit as per OMSB requirements. 

f. Should meet the ophthalmology fitness criteria (visual acuity, binocularity, etc.)

g. Must submit a letter of approval from his/ her sponsor confirming permission to join the OMSB specialty training program on full time basis for the entire period of training.

h. Provide three letters of recommendation from three consultants.

Training Center:

1. Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQOH)

2. Al Nahda Hospital (ANH)

3. Armed Forces Hospital (AFH)

4. Muscat Eye Laser Center (MELC)

Training Center:

1. Sahai Hospital (India)

General OMSB Evaluation Tools (list of evaluation forms only)

· ITAR and any suggestions for improvement

· MINI CEX evaluation

· Case based discussion evaluation

· Presentation/journal clubs/grand round evaluations

· 360 -degree evaluation

· Surgical procedures performed (Strabismus Surgery Evaluation, Cataract Surgery Evaluation)

· Research projects and at what stage they are in

· Exams, internal and external.

· The Final In-Training Assessment report.

Progression Examinations

End of Year Exam

OMSB Part 1

VIVA Exam

Exit Qualification

OMSB Part 2 (Written and Clinical)

Other International Examinations

Optional Examinations

Arab board Examination

FRCS Ophthalmology Exam

ICO

No.

Academic Activity

Frequency

1.       

Wednesday Half-day Teaching

Once a week (Wednesday) 1-4 PM

 

Neuro-Ophthalmology Course

 

 

Glaucoma Course

 

 

Clinical Optics, Refraction and Refractive Surgery

 

 

Cornea and External Disease

 

 

Lens, Cataract and Ophthalmic Surgery

 

 

Orbit, Eyelids and Lacrimal System

 

 

Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus

 

 

Retina and Vitreous

 

2.       

Ophthalmic Simulation Training

Once a week

(Every Tuesday 2-4pm)

3.

Annual Evaluation    

August

4

Orientation of New Residents   

August

5

Journal Club

Every 2 months

Starting (September)

6

Ophthalmology Symposium

Every 2 months

Starting (October)

7.       

Basic Science Course

September - October

8.       

Ophthalmic Simulation Eyesi Training (Dry and Wet lab)          

November /April

9

OMSB Part 2 Exam (R5) Written

October

10

Research Round #2

November

11

OSCE for OMSB Part 2 Exam (R5)

  November

12

OMSB Research Day/Career Day

December

13

ADORE (Abu Dhabi)

January

14

Phaco Elective (R4) India  

January

15

6 Monthly Evaluation    

February

16

Retreat Day   

February – March

17

Phaco Elective (R3) India

April-May

18.   

VIVA Exam (All Residents)    

May

19.   

Research Round #1

May

20.   

End of Year Exam (R1-R4)

June 

21.   

OMSB Part 1 (R2-R3) 

July

 

Research

Year

Resident

Project Title

 

Supervisor

Key Words

2011

Dr. Amna Al-Hosni

2011

Macular cysts in retinal dystrophy

Dr. Anuradha Ganesh

 

 

Dr. Huda Al-Waili

2011

Retinopathy of Prematurity in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Oman

Dr. Sana Al-Zuhaibi

 

2012

Dr. Khalifa Al-Ismaily

2013

Comparison of Atropine and Cyclopentolate in refractive accommodative esotropia

Dr. Anuradha Ganesh

 

 

Dr. Majda Al-Yahyai

2015

Pattern of Childhood Blindness and Severe visual impairment: A hospital based study in Oman.

Dr. Kishore H

 

 

Dr. Manal Al-Dahri

2012

Retinopathy of prematurity patients treated with intravitreal Avastin Injection

Dr. Rashid Al-Saidi

 

 

Dr. Mohammed Al-Salmi

2012

Surgical outcome after Trabeculectomy in Pediatric Glaucoma at Alnahda Hospital

Dr. Rahima Al-Mahrooqui

 

 

Dr. Amna Al-Hosni

2013

Incidence of malignant eyelid tumors

Dr. Abdullah Al-Mujaini

 

 

Dr. Rayah Al-Hajri

2012

Relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin, urinary protein and severity of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 DM.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Hinai

 

2013

Dr. Saif Bani Al-Oraba

2016

Indications, visual and topographic outcome of Penetrating Keratoplasty in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital

Dr. Nadiya Al-Kharousi

 

 

Dr. Huda Al-Waili

Optical Coherence Tomographic patterns in Diabetic Macular Edema: Prediction of outcome after Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide ( Triesnces ) injections

Dr. Mohammed Al Abri

 

 

Dr. Mohammed A-Salmi

2014

Mature White Cataract - Visual outcome

Dr. Rikin Shah

 

2014

Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Abri

2014

Intravitreal Anti- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Treatment Of Macular Edema Secondary To Vascular Occlusive Diseases: A Retrospective Study

Dr. Mohammed Al Abri

 

 

Dr. Muna Al Ajmi

2015

The Association of Papilledema and Cone Dystrophy A Clinical – Genetic Case Series Study in Omani Patients

Dr. Sana Al-Zuhaibi

 

2015

Dr. Huda Al-Farsi

2015

Incidence of orbital implant exposure following enucleation / evisceration procedures

Dr. Abdullah Al-Mujaini

 

 

Dr. Al-Yaqadhan al-Ghafri

2016

The epidemiology on non-viral microbial keratitis in a tertiary care center in Muscat, Oman

Dr. Abdulatif Al-Raisi

 

 

Dr. Ahlam Al-Hamhami

2017

Phenotype and Genotype Characterization of  Leber Congenital Amaurosis in Omanin families: SQUH Experience

Dr. Sana Al-Zuhaibi

 

 

Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Abri

2017

Effect of accelerated collagen corneal cross linking in arresting the progression of keratoconus amongst young Omani population

Dr. Abdulwakil Alugail

 

 

Dr. Ammar Al-Farsi

2018

Use of intravitreal  Ranibizumab (Lucentis®) in the treatment of cystic macular lesions in Retinal Dystrophy

Dr. Anuradha Ganesh

 

 

Dr. Sheikha Al-Azzani

Correlation of central corneal thickness (CCT) with intraocular pressure (IOP) in Omani children: The importance of CCT in pediatric aphakic and pseudophakic glaucoma

Dr. Sana Al-Zuhaibi

 

 

Dr. Majid Al-Shaaibi

2016

Impact of macular ischemia in the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema 

Dr. Ahmed Al-Hinai

 

2016

Dr. Haitham Al-Mahrooqui

2016

Epidemiology and Clinical Features of keratoconus in Oman

Dr. Abdulatif Al-Raisi

 

 

Dr. Nisreen Al-Belushi

2018

Ocular effects of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (Ranibizumab) for retinopathy of prematurity

Dr. Nassra Al-Habsi

 

2017

Dr. Haitham Al-Mahrooqui

2018

Retinoscopy as a screening tool for keratoconus

Dr. Abdulatif Al-Raisi

 

 

Dr. Majda Al-Yahyai

2017

Comparative study of symmetrical vs asymmetrical inferior oblique weakening surgeries in the treatment of asymmetrical inferior oblique over action: A Pilot study

Dr. Anuradha Ganesh

 

2018

Dr. Adil Al-Musalami

2019

Silicon oil use in vitreo-retinal surgeries: single center experience in Oman. Ongoing study with results

Dr. Mohammed Al Abri

 

 

 

Program Director:

Dr. Mohamed Al Abri

Associate Program Director:

Dr. Sana Al Zuhaibi

Dr. Nasra Al Habsi

Members:

Dr. Abdullah Al Mujaini

Dr. Rashid Al Saidi

Dr. Nadiya Al Kharousi

Dr. Anurradha Ganesh

Dr. Farida Al Belushi

Dr. Rajiv Zutshi

Dr. Rikin Shah

Medical Program Executive: Mary Rose S. Murillo

Program e-mail: ophthalmology@omsb.org

Office number: (968) 24181060