We would like to congratulate Dr Chatziralli et al. for their thought-provoking study on virtual education for ophthalmology during COVID-19. In this cross-sectional survey study, Dr Chatziralli and her team found a significant increase in the use of e-learning alternatives during the pandemic [1]. Medical training relies on the continued succession of learners, and as such, there is a critical need to minimize disruptions in this process to avoid negative downstream sequelae. Thus, learners and educators alike are reimagining contemporary medical education with a “forward thinking and scholarly approach” in adopting virtual pedagogies for acquiring clinical knowledge and skills [2].

Recently, we conducted a study to assess the efficacy of interactive virtual ophthalmology education for medical students during COVID-19. We found that interactive webinars and modules can successfully recreate clinically immersive learning environments while maintaining social distancing. Furthermore, we found that such open-access virtual platforms may mitigate inequities in accessing high-quality medical education and also reduce feelings of social isolation among learners [3]. Our findings are applicable beyond the context of COVID-19—globally, medical students report not gaining sufficient exposure to ophthalmology through formal medical education, and virtual learning may help to bridge this gap.

Log in or create a free account to read this content

Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com

Access through your institution

or

Sign in or create an account
Continue with Google
Continue with ORCiD