Innovating ophthalmology education with virtual patient cases: evidence and opportunities

Abstract Ophthalmology remains underrepresented in many medical curricula, contributing to limited understanding and confidence in the evaluation and management of ocular and visual conditions. Virtual patient cases, which constitute interactive, computer-based simulations that enable learners to engage with realistic patient scenarios in a controlled environment, offer an innovative strategy to strengthen ophthalmic education. This review compiled and analyzed evidence from articles assessing the educational impact of such tools in ophthalmology. Results from current studies suggest that virtual patient platforms can enhance medical knowledge, clinical reasoning, practical skills, and empathy while also encouraging further reading and fostering peer discussion. In addition, such programs are warmly received by learners, who report high satisfaction and appreciate their realistic, interactive, and enjoyable nature, flexibility in time and place, and constructive feedback. Despite substantial heterogeneity across studies, existing findings support virtual patient cases as effective, scalable, and engaging tools that hold promise to complement traditional instruction in ophthalmology and counteract the discipline’s marginalization in medical curricula. Nonetheless, further research is warranted to identify the most effective strategies for their integration into ophthalmology training programs.