Purpose To evaluate the application effect of case-based ladder teaching of problem-based learning (PBL) in pre-clinical training of ophthalmology professional postgraduates.

Methods Data were collected from the resident standardized training base of the Department of Ophthalmology in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from September 2016 to September 2023. According to the teaching methods received, they were divided into a case-based PBL ladder teaching group (Ladder PBL group) and a traditional PBL group. The teaching effect was evaluated through theoretical exam scores, comprehensive quality scores, and questionnaire surveys.

Results The average theoretical exam score of the Ladder PBL group (84.67±5.38 points) was higher than that of the traditional PBL group (75.71±4.73 points), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The comprehensive quality score of the Ladder PBL group in image reading, case analysis, frontier progress, and humanistic care were higher than those of the traditional PBL group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). In the teaching evaluation, the Ladder PBL group scored higher than the traditional PBL group in inspiring students, case analysis, ideological and political education, and problem feedback, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001).

Conclusion The application of case-based ladder teaching of PBL in pre-clinical training of ophthalmology professional degree postgraduates helps to cultivate and enhance the clinical thinking ability of residents, enabling them to integrate into ophthalmology clinical practice more quickly.