SUMMARY
Purpose:
To identify the knowledge on prevention and management related to ocular disease and normal function of the eye among students of the last year of medical schools, aiming to subsidize curricular alterations and improve professional education.
Methods:
A survey on ophthalmologic knowledge was carried out among students of the sixth year from six medicai schools in the state of São Paulo (randomly chosen sample), to whom a structured questionnaire on basic aspects of Ophthalmology for the general physician. Was applied the questionnaires were analyzed based on previously established criteria for this study.
Results:
The analysis of the questions applied showed insufficient knowledge in normal function, management errors, failure on detecting common pathologies and myths about ocular health among the students. The index of correct answers considered "Good" for this evaluation (equal or greater than 80%) was not achieved for any of the 16 questions.
Conclusion:
We see the necessity for a reformulation of the Ophthalmology course in the medical curriculum, to well prepare all physicians to correctly manage and guide the treatment of ocular problems.
Keywords:
Ophthalmology; Awareness; Physicians, juniors; Education, medical, under graduated