Ophthalmology residency training in Nigeria: The trainers' perspective

Introduction: Periodic evaluations are an indispensable part of any training programme. This study assessed ophthalmology residency training in Nigeria from the perspective of ophthalmology trainers. Materials and Methods: This was a nationwide web-based survey of ophthalmology trainers at the 30 institutions accredited by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria from April 2021 to June 2021. Trainers were invited to complete a Google form via E-mail and WhatsApp. Data were collected on the characteristics of trainers and the training programme. Results: One hundred and fifty-eight (71.2%) out of 222 trainers responded to the survey comprising 67 (42.4%) males and 91 (57.6%) females, amongst whom were 97 (61.4%) subspecialists. The mean age (& PLUSMN;standard deviation) was 51.47 & PLUSMN; 8.61 years (range, 38-75 years). Most respondents rated human resources (trainers and support staff) as 'much more' than adequate (n = 30, 19%), the volume of surgery as 'less or much less' than adequate (n = 82, 51.9%), the conduct of examinations as 'good' or better than good (n = 120, 75.9%) and impact of emigration of ophthalmologists on training as 'very negative' (n = 36, 22.8%). Overall, 94 (59.4%) respondents rated the quality of training as 'good' or better than good. Respondents recommended improving funding and training resources, revising the current conduct of examinations, increasing the use of appropriate technology and improving remunerations and national security. Conclusions: The majority of ophthalmology trainers rated ophthalmology residency training in Nigeria as 'good' but rated 'volume of surgery' as inadequate for training. Recommendations were made to improve the quality of training, revise examination practices and reduce the negative impact of emigration.