Abstract: Objective To investigate the efficiency and existing problems of case-based learning approach for ophthalmology course in eight-year program medical students. Methods Case-based learning was used in 46 students of grade 2012 who studied ophthalmology course in Peking University Third Hospital in 2016. Later a questionnaire with 5-score questions was applied to evaluate the efficiency of case-based learning and to detect the existing problems. Results Forty-six students responded to the investigation, with a response rate of 100.0%. The general effectiveness and facilitation in clinical thoughts training was affirmed, with scores of (4.2±0.8), (4.1±0.9), (4.3±0.8), (4.2±0.9) and (4.0±1.1) in the items of overall satisfaction, acquisition of theoretical knowledge, ability to extract case information, ability to analyze clinical problems and diagnosis of typical cases, respectively. However, the activity of students and self-learning ability training was not satisfying, with scores of (3.9±1.1), (3.7±1.0), (3.6±1.0), (3.3±1.2) and (3.7±1.2) in the items of motivation in presentation, participation in class discussion, active study, ability in literature search and team learning efficiency, respectively. Conclusions Case-based learning was of practical value in clinical thoughts training in the ophthalmology course. Instructors should pay more attention to motivation of learning initiatives in students and the training of self-learning ability.

Key words: Case-based learning, Eight-year program medical student, Ophthalmology, Teaching effect