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Diagnostic radiology is expanding, playing an increasingly central role in patient care, which heightens the importance of radiology teaching in undergraduate medical education. This study examined the impact of increased structure and systematic evaluation on student performance in a radiology elective. The evaluation protocol included premultiple and postmultiple choice examinations (70 questions each), a film interpretation quiz (ten films, 20 questions), faculty assessment of a student oral case presentation, and student evaluations of the elective experience. The relationships among the evaluation techniques, as well as differences in class level and course ratings were also examined. Two different treatment groups were studied. Group 1 was given general objectives and information regarding availability of recommended resources, including self-learning materials for the elective, didactic seminars, and viewbox exposure. Group 2 was given specific written instructional objectives, a structured schedule for viewing the self-learning materials, and the same seminars and viewbox exposure. The statistically significant higher performance of the structured group suggests that medical students achieve the objectives of an elective better when learning activities are well defined, structured, and systematically evaluated. In addition, those students receiving the structured experience rated the radiology elective more favorably.

Four infants with blind, severely microphthalmic eyes have been treated with cosmetic scleral shells. Through periodic refitting, this method has permitted the development of symmetrical ocular appearance without the need for surgery. We recommend that this treatment be initiated in early infancy in appropriate patients.

The Roto-Extractor, designed by Nicholas Douvas, M.D., was used by the authors in 66 eyes for cataracts, secondary membranes, and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous. The average age of the patients with congenital cataracts was 2.4 years, for traumatic cataracts 16.4 years. The pupil wal cleared well in 63 of these eyes. There was no vitreous to the wound in any of the eyes. Unplanned iridectomies and prolonged inflammation were the major complications.

A 100% silicone polymer contact lens can be used successfully for extended wear in pediatric aphakia. Compared to a hydrogel extended wear contact lens, the silicone lens has several advantages. These include easier handling, a less traumatic fitting procedure for the child, fluorescein use for evaluation of the lens-cornea relationship and a lower loss rate. Bacterial and preservative contamination are minimized due to the lower water content. The silicone lens appears to be safe, having no permanent adverse effects on the cornea. It would be more advantageous if the lens could be obtained in higher plus powers; however, the available power (up to +32.00D) is appropriate in almost all cases.