THE HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN (HSC) – Department of Ophthalmology
Junior Resident (PGY 3) Paediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Rotation
Goals and Objectives
HSC junior resident rotations are a 4 month rotation with the focus of clinical activity being Paediatric Ophthalmology and
Strabismus.
At HSC, the junior resident focuses on attaining the clinical skills required to perform basic history, examination, orthoptic
measurements and strabismus management in children. They participate in the pre-operative and post-operative
management of strabismus and oculoplastic surgery patients. They are involved in managing emergency and consult
service patients and are exposed to anterior segment, glaucoma, genetic disorders and electrophysiological testing of
paediatric patients.
On this rotation there is particular emphasis on the development and evaluation of the Medical Expert, Communicator
and Manager CanMEDS roles.
Medical Expert
By the end of the rotation the junior ophthalmology resident will:
1. Perform and interpret visual acuity testing, and diagnose and manage amblyopia.
2. Perform and interpret orthoptic measurements in children, including sensory testing.
3. Manage the postoperative care of strabismus surgery patients, including postoperative complications.
4. Demonstrate the ability to manage common paediatric ophthalmic emergencies, including assessment
techniques and investigations.
5. Perform accurate cycloplegic and manifest refraction in patients under 18 years of age.
6. Recognize the challenges of examining children with developmental delay and demonstrate an understanding of
their management.
7. Demonstrate the ability to interpret electrophysiological tests and understand basic genetic pedigree and testing.
Communicator
By the end of the rotation the junior ophthalmology resident will:
1. Exhibit effective and timely verbal and written communication skills, including communicating with patients and
families. Uses voice, body language, non-medical terminology and translators to good effect.
2. Discuss the parents’ and child’s beliefs, concerns, and illness experience and specifically focus on their
expectations in terms of improvement in vision, ocular alignment or discomfort.
3. Obtain informed consent for strabismus surgery, providing sufficient information of the risks and benefits, as well
as aftercare of the procedure.
4. Complete medical records accurately and in a timely manner.
Collaborator
By the end of the rotation the junior ophthalmology resident will:
1. Participate effectively and appropriately in an inter-professional health care team.
Manager
By the end of the rotation the junior ophthalmology resident will:
1. Demonstrate personal responsibility to improve quality of patient care, optimize patient safety, and engage
others to work collaboratively to improve systems of patient care.
2. Manage time and priorities well to achieve a work-life balance.
3. Allocate finite healthcare resources appropriately.
Health Advocate
By the end of the rotation the junior ophthalmology resident will:
1. Support the health of patients/families by providing appropriate advice and information.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the practical aspects of care in paediatric population (difficulty with glasses,
patching, instillation of drops, costs of treatment).
Scholar
By the end of the rotation the junior ophthalmology resident will:
1. Critically evaluate new medical information regarding paediatric ophthalmology.
2. Present and actively participate in weekly rounds and teaching sessions.
Professional
The junior ophthalmology resident will:
1. Demonstrate a commitment to excellence in paediatric eye care including meeting deadlines, being punctual,
monitoring patients and providing appropriate follow up.