Author’s Disclosure Block: Hassan Hazari, none; Kirk Leifso, none; Brent Wolfrom, none; Yi Ning Strube, none

Abstract Body
Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the current status of pediatric ophthalmology education in Canadian pediatric and family medicine (FM) residency programs and assesss the knowledge and comfort level of residents in diagnosing and managing common pediatric ocular disorders. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted targeting residency program directors (PDs) and residents in pediatric and FM programs across Canada. Methods: Two online surveys were developed and distributed in 2022-2024, through the Qualtrics © platform to 28 residency programs (14 in pediatrics and 14 in FM). The surveys included Likert scale, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions, with a focus on assessing current training and comfort level with selectedpediatric eye disorders (strabismus, congenital glaucoma and chronic uveitis associated with juvenonee idiopathic arthritis). Results: A total of43surveys were returned (10 from the PDs and 33 from residents). There was a discrepancy between PD and residents regarding their impression of pediatric ophthalmology training within their programs; among the respondents, only 8/43 (5/10 PDs and 3/33 residents) agreed that pediatric ophthalmology training was included as a standard part of the curriculum.Both PDs and residents identified barriers, including limited curriculum time and difficulty integrating clinical exposure. Case-based assessments revealed gaps in resident knowledge and discomfort in decision-making, particularly involving ophthalmic examination. Residents emphasized confrontational visual fields (43%) over red reflex (29%) in assessing pediatric strabismus.Both groups agreed that closer collaboration with faculty and evidence of improved patient outcomes would help overcome these barriers. Conclusions: This study highlights the limited exposure to pediatric ophthalmology within Canadian pediatric and family medicine residency programs, underscoring the need for standardized training. Residents expressed discomfort with decision-making in managing pediatric eye conditions, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and collaboration with pediatric ophthalmology faculty. Addressing these gaps may improve early diagnosis and management of childhood diseases, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.