DEPARTMENT OF OPHTHALMOLOGY

Overview of the Ophthalmology Department

The Department of Ophthalmology at GMERS Medical College, Godhra, is dedicated to excellence in patient care, medical education, and research. Our faculty members are committed to providing high-quality training to undergraduate and postgraduate students while ensuring the best ophthalmic care for patients.

GOAL

The primary goal of the Ophthalmology Department is to equip medical students with a thorough understanding of eye health, enabling them to diagnose, manage, and prevent common ophthalmic disorders. We aim to develop compassionate, skilled, and competent medical professionals who can provide comprehensive eye care and contribute to community ophthalmology.

OBJECTIVES

1. Academic Excellence: Provide structured, evidence-based teaching and training in ophthalmology for medical students.
2. Clinical Competence: Develop diagnostic and management skills for common eye diseases and emergencies.
3. Community Eye Health: Train students in preventive and rehabilitative aspects of blindness and visual impairment.
4. Research & Innovation: Encourage students and faculty to engage in ophthalmic research to advance clinical knowledge.
5. Interdisciplinary Approach: Promote integration with other medical specialties for holistic patient care.

KNOWLEDGE

Upon completion of the ophthalmology training, students will be able to:

• Understand the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the eye.
• Identify common ocular diseases, including cataract, glaucoma, refractive errors, corneal disorders, and retinal diseases.

1.Undergraduate laboratory

List of Instruments in the Undergraduate Ophthalmology Laboratory & Clinics

The Ophthalmology Department at GMERS Medical College, Godhra, is equipped with essential instruments to train undergraduate students in clinical skills. These instruments help in learning basic ophthalmic examination techniques and understanding various eye diseases.

Basic Examination Instruments

1. Snellen’s Chart – For visual acuity testing
2. Jaeger’s Chart – For near vision testing
3. Ishihara Chart – For color vision assessment
4. Pinhole Occluder – To differentiate refractive errors from pathological causes of vision loss
5. Streak Retinoscope – For objective refraction assessment
6. Trial Frame and Trial Lens Set – For subjective refraction testing

Slit-Lamp Biomicroscopy & Related Instruments

7. Slit Lamp – For anterior segment examination
8. Applanation Tonometer (Goldmann’s Tonometer) – For intraocular pressure measurement
9. Schiotz Tonometer – For indentation tonometry
10. Gonioscope (Gonioscopy Lens) – For anterior chamber angle examination

Ophthalmoscopy & Fundus Examination Instruments

11. Direct Ophthalmoscope – For detailed fundus examination
12. Indirect Ophthalmoscope – For peripheral retinal examination
13. 90D lenes – For slit-lamp fundoscopy

Diagnostic & Special Investigation Instruments

15. Autorefractometer with Keratometer (Ophthalmometer) – For measuring corneal curvature
16. Placido’s Disc – For corneal surface assessment
17. Perimeter (Automated & Manual) – For visual field testing
18. Lacrimal Syringing Set – For assessment of nasolacrimal duct patency
19. Fluorescein Strips – For corneal staining and tear film assessment
20. Rose Bengal Strips – For diagnosing ocular surface disorders
21. Schirmer’s Test Strips – For tear secretion evaluation

Surgical & Procedural Instruments

22. Foreign Body Removal Set – Forceps, spud, and needle for corneal/conjunctival foreign body removal
23. Lid Retractors & Speculum – For eyelid examination and minor procedures
24. Meibomian Gland Expressor – For diagnosing and treating meibomian gland dysfunction
25. Suture Removal Kit – For post-surgical care

These instruments are essential for undergraduate students to develop basic ophthalmology skills, conduct eye examinations, and understand clinical conditions effectively.

2) Clinical Laboratory

         A)   SCOPE AT FACILITY:

The Ophthalmology Department at GMERS Medical College, Godhra, is well-equipped to provide comprehensive eye care services while ensuring undergraduate medical training in basic ophthalmology. The available facilities cater to diagnostic, therapeutic, and minor surgical needs of patients, fulfilling essential ophthalmic healthcare requirements.

1. Outpatient Department (OPD) Facilities

• Dedicated Ophthalmology OPD with multiple consultation rooms
• Visual Acuity Testing Area with Snellen’s and Jaeger’s charts
• Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy Units for anterior segment examination
• Direct & Indirect Ophthalmoscopy for retina and optic nerve assessment
• Tonometry (Schiotz & Goldmann Applanation) for glaucoma screening
• Color Vision Testing with Ishihara charts
• Refraction Services with retinoscopy, trial lens set, and autorefractometer
• Lacrimal Syringing Facility for nasolacrimal duct obstruction testing

2. Diagnostic Facilities

• Keratometry for corneal curvature assessment
• Gonioscopy for anterior chamber angle evaluation
• Perimetry (Visual Field Analysis) for glaucoma and neurological disorders
• Fluorescein & Rose Bengal Staining for corneal and ocular surface disorders
• Schirmer’s Test for dry eye assessment

3. Minor Surgical & Procedural Facilities

• Foreign Body Removal Unit for corneal and conjunctival foreign bodies
• Lid Procedures & Chalazion Excision for common eyelid conditions
• Pterygium Excision & Conjunctival Autografting
• Lacrimal Probing & Syringing for nasolacrimal duct obstruction
• YAG Laser Capsulotomy for posterior capsular opacification (PCO)

4. Community Ophthalmology & Outreach Services

• School Vision Screening Programs for early detection of refractive errors

5. Basic Operation Theatre (OT) Facilities

• Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) & Phacoemulsification
• Eyelid Surgeries (Entropion, Ectropion, Ptosis Correction)
• Corneal Repair Procedures for minor trauma cases
• Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) & Dacryocystectomy (DCT) for lacrimal system diseases

6. Emergency Ophthalmology Care

• Chemical Burn Management with immediate irrigation & treatment
• Blunt & Penetrating Ocular Trauma Assessment
• Sudden Vision Loss Evaluation (Retinal Detachment, Optic Neuropathy)
• Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma Management with medications & laser referral

Conclusion

The Ophthalmology Department at GMERS Medical College, Godhra, fulfills basic ophthalmology needs through well-equipped clinical services, diagnostic tools, minor surgical setups, and community outreach programs. The department ensures quality patient care while providing hands-on clinical training for undergraduate medical students.

 Ophthalmology Research Laboratory

The Ophthalmology Research Laboratory at GMERS Medical College, Godhra, provides undergraduate students with opportunities to engage in basic and clinical research in eye health and diseases. The lab is equipped to support research in ocular physiology, pathology, and public health ophthalmology, allowing students to develop scientific skills and contribute to advancements in vision science.

1. Objectives of the Research Laboratory

• To encourage evidence-based learning through student research projects.
• To facilitate basic research in ocular anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
• To provide clinical research opportunities in areas such as cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors.
• To support community ophthalmology research, including blindness prevention programs.
• To train students in research methodology, biostatistics, and scientific writing.

2. Facilities & Equipment in the Research Lab

The UG ophthalmology research laboratory is equipped with:

A. Basic Ocular Research Equipment

• Slit Lamp with Digital Imaging – For anterior segment documentation
• Direct & Indirect Ophthalmoscope – For fundus photography and retinal studies
• Applanation & Schiotz Tonometers – For intraocular pressure measurement research
• Perimeter (Automated & Manual) – For visual field studies in glaucoma research
• Keratometer & Corneal Topographer – For corneal curvature and shape analysis
• Retinoscope & Autorefractometer – For refractive error studies

B. Diagnostic & Investigative Tools

• Fluorescein & Rose Bengal Staining Kits – For corneal and ocular surface disorder studies
• Schirmer’s Test Strips – For dry eye disease research
• Gonioscopy Lenses – For anterior chamber angle assessment in glaucoma studies

3. Research Areas for Undergraduate Students

The UG research lab encourages students to participate in projects under faculty guidance in areas such as:

A. Clinical Ophthalmology Research

• Prevalence of Refractive Errors in School Children
• Study of Dry Eye Syndrome in Digital Screen Users
• Diabetic Retinopathy Screening & Awareness Programs
• Glaucoma Risk Factor Analysis in the Local Population

B. Community & Public Health Ophthalmology Research

• Effectiveness of School Vision Screening Programs
• Ocular Trauma Patterns & Prevention Strategies
• Impact of Vitamin A Deficiency on Childhood Blindness

C. Basic Science & Experimental Research

• Tear Film Analysis & Its Role in Dry Eye Disease
• Corneal Healing Patterns Post Minor Trauma
• Microbiological Study of Ocular Surface Infections

Infrastructure & Facilities – Ophthalmology Department

The Ophthalmology Department at GMERS Medical College, Godhra, is equipped with modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities to provide quality education, clinical training, and patient care. The department offers well-structured teaching spaces, advanced diagnostic tools, surgical units, and research laboratories for undergraduate students.

1. Departmental Infrastructure

A. Outpatient Department (OPD)

• Dedicated Ophthalmology OPD with multiple consultation rooms
• Spacious Patient Waiting Area
• Separate Vision Testing Area
• Specialty Clinics for cataract, glaucoma, retina, and cornea patients
• Refraction Unit with trial lens sets and autorefractometer
• Minor Procedure Room for small surgical procedures
• Patient Counselling & Health Education Area

2. Clinical Facilities

A. Diagnostic & Examination Units

• Slit Lamp Biomicroscopy Units – For anterior segment examination
• Direct & Indirect Ophthalmoscopes – For retina and optic nerve evaluation
• Applanation & Schiotz Tonometers – For intraocular pressure measurement
• Gonioscopy Lenses – For anterior chamber angle assessment
• Perimetry (Automated & Manual) – For visual field testing in glaucoma patients

B. Minor Procedure Room

• Foreign Body Removal Unit
• Lacrimal Syringing & Probing Setup
• Chalazion Excision & Eyelid Procedures
• Subconjunctival Injection Administration

C. Operation Theatre (OT) Complex

• Dedicated Ophthalmic OT for cataract and other eye surgeries
• Phacoemulsification & Small Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS) Equipment
• Sterile Environment with Microscopes & Surgical Tools
• Post-Operative Care Unit

4. Emergency Ophthalmology Services

• 24/7 Emergency Eye Care Services
• Management of Ocular Trauma & Chemical Burns
• Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma Treatment
• Retinal Detachment & Sudden Vision Loss Evaluation

• Staff Information:

Dr . Kamlesh Damor (Assistant Prof. And HOD)

Dr.Yagnik Nadir (SENIOR RESIDENT)

Dr.Darshan Patel (JUNIOR RESIDENT)

Dr.Vishva Suratiya (JUNIOR RESIDENT)

1. Curriculum Overview

• Total Teaching Hours: 100 (including theory & practical/clinical postings)
• Phase of Teaching: III MBBS – Part 1
• Competency Domains:
• Must-Know – Essential for safe clinical practice
• Desirable-to-Know – Supplementary knowledge
• Nice-to-Know – Advanced concepts (optional)

2. Learning Objectives

The student should be able to:
✅ Describe basic and applied anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the eye
✅ Diagnose and manage common ophthalmic conditions
✅ Demonstrate core clinical skills, including visual acuity testing, slit lamp examination, and ophthalmoscopy
✅ Identify ophthalmic emergencies and provide first-line management
✅ Understand public health aspects of blindness prevention
✅ Communicate effectively with patients regarding eye care

3. Core Topics & Competencies

A. Basic Sciences in Ophthalmology

• Anatomy of the eyeball & orbit
• Physiology of vision & ocular movements
• Common ocular pathology (infection, trauma, degenerations)
• Optics & refraction (myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, presbyopia)

B. Examination & Diagnostic Skills (Skill-Based Learning)

• Visual acuity testing (Snellen’s chart, near vision)
• Slit lamp biomicroscopy
• Direct & indirect ophthalmoscopy
• Intraocular pressure measurement (tonometry)
• Retinoscopy & refraction techniques
• Assessment of extraocular movements

C. Common Eye Diseases & Management

1. Refractive Errors & Optical Corrections
2. Conjunctival Disorders – Conjunctivitis, pterygium
3. Corneal Diseases – Keratitis, corneal ulcers, keratoconus
4. Cataract – Age-related, congenital, and surgical management
5. Glaucoma – Open-angle, angle-closure & medical/surgical management
6. Retinal Diseases – Diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy
7. Neuro-Ophthalmology – Optic neuritis, papilledema, cranial nerve palsies
8. Ocular Trauma & Emergencies – Chemical burns, blunt/penetrating injuries
9. Pediatric Ophthalmology – Amblyopia, squint (strabismus), leukocoria
10. Systemic Diseases & Eye – Ocular manifestations of diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis

D. Community Ophthalmology & Preventive Care

• National Blindness Control Program
• Vision 2020: Right to Sight
• School vision screening programs