This study aims at identifying the existence and at evaluating the functioning of undergraduate and facult y associations/study groups dedicated to continued education and community services in Ophthalmology. A cross-section descriptive survey based on a convenience sample was conducted by means of a questionnaire answered by residents and students from 107 Brazilian medical schools during the months February and March 2002. Twelve (11.21%) study groups in Ophthalmology were identified among these medical schools. Eleven (91.67%) of these 12 associations are controlled by their own by-laws. The admission criteria normally require having followed an introductor y course and / or admission exam. The number of students in the study groups varies between 9 and 30. Half of the groups admit students from the third year on. All study groups count on the participation of faculty members and 75% of them admit residents. The most common activities of the groups include attendance to regular classes and participation in communit y projects and scientific research. Though most of the study groups fulfill the requirements for providing primar y undergraduate Ophthalmologic education, the number of study groups is still not significant.
Education, Medical; Students, Medical; Ophthalmology; Association Learning; Community Medicine
