An update on the novel approaches towards skills assessment of ophthalmology residents in the Indian scenario.

An essential part of the teaching-learning paradigm is assessment. It is one of the ways to achieve feedback for the various methods that have been used to impart a particular skill. This is true of ophthalmology training, where various clinical and surgical skills are learned as part of the residency program. In preparation for residents to become proficient ophthalmologists, both formative and summative assessments are of paramount importance. At present, assessment is primarily summative in the form of a university examination, including theory and practical examinations that are conducted at the end of the three years of residency. A formative assessment can make course corrections early on, allowing for an improved understanding of the subject and the acquisition of clinical and surgical skills. Formative assessments also allow us to customize the teaching methodology considering individual residents' learning capabilities. In addition, formative assessments have the advantage of alleviating the stress of a "final" examination, which could sometimes result in a less-than-optimum performance by the residents. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to adopt new teaching methods, which has led to the adoption of changes in assessment. In this regard, we discuss the different assessment tools available, their pros and cons, and how best these tools can be made applicable in the setting of an ophthalmology residency program.

Collateral damage: Corneal injury due to mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic - A case series.

Though masks are the best shield against COVID-19, they can be a source of discomfort and ocular side effects. We discuss three cases of corneal injury due to mask use. Three patients, who were healthcare workers, presented with discomfort, photophobia, and pain in the eyes. While adjusting the mask, they had an ocular injury. There were multiple superficial linear abrasions in the eyes. They recovered with treatment. Though masks are imperative during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to be aware of a possible mask injury.