Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at the College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, actively contributed to an international academic webinar titled ‘Critical Appraisal of Research Articles in Optometry’ held on 11 February 2026. The session was organized by Dr. B.C. Roy Academy of Professional Courses, India and conducted virtually.
The webinar featured Dr. Gopinath Madeswaran, Assistant Professor, Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences at CoHS, GMU, as the guest speaker. The session aimed to help participants improve their understanding of evidence-based practice in optometry and develop their skills in evaluating research.
During the session, Dr. Gopinath provided a structured approach to assessing research articles, guiding attendees on evaluating credibility, validity, and clinical applicability. He emphasized the core principles of evidence-based practice, integrating clinical expertise, the best available evidence, and patient-centered care. Through practical examples, he introduced frameworks such as the 5A model (Ask, Acquire, Appraise, Apply, Assess) and the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) checklist. He also addressed common challenges clinicians face in applying research to practice and shared practical strategies to overcome them.
The webinar was attended by more than 75 participants, including postgraduate students and faculty in optometry, and served as a valuable platform to promote research literacy and critical thinking in both optometry education and clinical settings.
Dr. Praveen Kumar, Dean CoHS, stated, “This session reflects our commitment to advancing academic excellence and research-driven practice in optometry. Empowering students and professionals with critical appraisal skills is essential for delivering high-quality, evidence-based patient care.”
