OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of Spot Vision ScreeningTM as an autorefractor by comparing refraction measurements to subjective clinical refractometry results in children and adult patients. METHODS: One-hundred and thirty-four eyes of 134 patients were submitted to refractometry by Spot and clinical refractometry under cycloplegia. Patients, students, physicians, staff and children of staff from the Hospital das Clínicas (School of Medicine, University of São Paulo) aged 7-50 years without signs of ocular disease were examined. Only right-eye refraction data were analyzed. The findings were converted in magnitude vectors for analysis. RESULTS: The difference between Spot Vision ScreeningTM and subjective clinical refractometry expressed in spherical equivalents was +0.66±0.56 diopters (D), +0.16±0.27 D for the vector projected on the 90 axis and +0.02±0.15 D for the oblique vector. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the statistical significance of the difference between the two methods, we consider the difference non-relevant in a clinical setting, supporting the use of Spot Vision ScreeningTM as an ancillary method for estimating refraction.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar conhecimentos de prevenção e conduta relacionados a doenças oculares e funcionamento dos olhos em graduandos do curso médico, a fim de subsidiar alterações curriculares com vistas aoaprimoramento da formação profissional. Métodos: Realizou-se “survey” sobreconhecimentos de Oftalmologia entre alunos do último ano do curso de graduação em Medicina de seis escolas no Estado de São Paulo (amostra aleatória), aos quais foi aplicado um questionário padronizado contendo 16 questões: referentes a aspectos em Oftalmologia importantes na formação do médico. Resultados: A avaliação dos questionários revelou conhecimentos insuficientes, erros de conduta, falhas na detecção de doenças comuns, além de existência de mitos e crendices populares sobre saúde ocular em proporção acentuada. O índice de acerto considerado bom nesta avaliação (igual ou superior a 80%) não foi atingido em nenhuma das questões aplicadas. Conclusões: Vê-se necessidade de reformulações no curso de Oftalmologia no currículo de Medicina, a fim de que o médico não especialista esteja preparado para adotar condutas corretas na orientação e tratamento de problemas oculares. As evidências do conhecimento insuficiente nesta área sugere a reavaliação periódica do conteúdo do curso de Graduação e dos conhecimentos cognitivos adquiridos pelos alunos.

SUMMARY Purpose: To identify the knowledge on prevention and management related to ocular disease and normal function of the eye among students of the last year of medical schools, aiming to subsidize curricular alterations and improve professional education. Methods: A survey on ophthalmologic knowledge was carried out among students of the sixth year from six medicai schools in the state of São Paulo (randomly chosen sample), to whom a structured questionnaire on basic aspects of Ophthalmology for the general physician. Was applied the questionnaires were analyzed based on previously established criteria for this study. Results: The analysis of the questions applied showed insufficient knowledge in normal function, management errors, failure on detecting common pathologies and myths about ocular health among the students. The index of correct answers considered "Good" for this evaluation (equal or greater than 80%) was not achieved for any of the 16 questions. Conclusion: We see the necessity for a reformulation of the Ophthalmology course in the medical curriculum, to well prepare all physicians to correctly manage and guide the treatment of ocular problems.