Ophthalmology Training in Greece as Perceived by Resident Ophthalmologists in the Times of Crisis: A National, Questionnaire-based Survey

PURPOSE: To assess the level of perceived satisfaction with the current level of ophthalmology training in Greece from the perspective of residents and to identify deficiencies in the training curriculum. METHODS: This is a prospective, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. An online, semi-structured questionnaire was designed to evaluate ophthalmology residents' extent of satisfaction with the quality of their postgraduate medical training. The survey was divided in two parts: demographics and evaluation of training. Resident ophthalmologists in all teaching hospitals in Greece were contacted and encouraged to complete it. RESULTS: A response rate of 53.8% was achieved. Two out of three participants stated their disappointment with the quality of training they received and deemed the four-year residency training program as insufficient. Surgical training was also viewed as unsatisfactory by the majority of the respondents. An interest in subspecialty training, as well as a significant participation in research activities, was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Both training and overall satisfaction with working conditions must be improved to preserve the appeal of ophthalmology for young academics. A new, structured curriculum, reduction of unnecessary bureaucracy, and improved surgical training rank among the most essential priorities in order to improve postgraduate ophthalmology training.