Strategic Planning for Ophthalmology Education in Iran

To develop strategic planning for ophthalmology education in Iran from 2008 to 2010. A qualitative investigation using focus group discussion was conducted during March, 2008 at the Ophthalmic Research Center of Shahid Beheshti University. Six to ten academic members of the ophthalmology department and other stakeholders participated in this study. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats related to ophthalmology education in Iran were analyzed. Strategic goals for education, research, and health service providing domains were evaluated. Educational goals were defined as the training of human resources in accordance with com-munity needs at the level of general practitioner, specialist, and fellowships in ophthalmology. Research goals of the program were defined as scientific inter-departmental and international communications, in order to promote the level of education, research and treatment in the country. Also, in the field of health services and according to community needs, providing services by means of advanced and cost-effective methods were defined as strategic objectives. Results of this study underscore the necessity for supporting of health decision makers in Iran.