Background The implementation of social distancing measures during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic limited Ophthalmology departments in offering face-to-face taster days to foundation doctors to promote career development. Therefore, we developed an e-learning platform for junior doctors to gain an insight into Ophthalmology, while maintaining the same level of detail as face-to-face programmes.

Methods We explored the literature surrounding medical education adaptations to social distancing measures. A pre-programme survey was conducted investigating interest in a virtual Ophthalmology taster programme within the Yorkshire and Humber deanery. A positive response resulted in the development of ‘Eyestrive’ – a comprehensive e-learning platform (www.eyestrive.org.uk). It consisted of five pre-course modules, each led by a consultant ophthalmologist, followed by a full day virtual interactive workshop comprising of lectures and wet lab. The modules included:

1. Clinical Skills: resources on ophthalmic examinations with follow–on feedback.

2. Clinical Signs: photographs of ocular pathologies complemented by multiple choice questions.

3. Special Module: a) Teaching Others b) Audit/Quality Improvement c) Critical Appraisal

4. FRCOphth Part 1 Club: key topics of the exam taught by trainees.

5. Virtual Wet Lab: attendees practiced suturing and knot tying techniques under supervision.

Results Twenty-four junior doctors attending from UK, Ireland, and Malaysia completed the programme. Pre- and post-programme questionnaires showed increased confidence in critical appraisal and surgical skills, understanding of quality improvement principles, and the ability to assess the acute red eye.

Conclusion Eyestrive sets a blueprint for designing a virtual training programme. The pre-course modules followed by ‘virtual workshop’ can be applied to undergraduate and postgraduate medical teaching across various specialties. In the COVID era, this has been a timely contribution.