AIM：To investigate the effect of the improved PBL (SEC3 Mode, system clinical ophthalmology education-experiments-clinical practice-criticism-clinical work) in enhancing the clinical adaptability of ophthalmology clinical-degree postgraduates and residences.

METHODS：A total of 31 ophthalmology clinical-degree postgraduates and residences were included in this study. The students were randomly divided into 2 groups. Traditional educational strategy, learning basic knowledge and manipulation during ophthalmology clinical work, was used in Group I. Students in Group II has taken the improved PBL for 1 month and then participated the clinical work. The tutors in 2 groups were the same in whole range. Subjects were compared by questionnaire, ophthalmology knowledge and skills examination 3 months later.

RESULTS：There was no statistical difference in the grasp of hospitalization diseases between 2 groups. However, the range and depth of basic knowledge and clinical skills were significantly higher in Group II than the former one.

CONCLUSION：Improved PBL has more knowledge systematicness and acceptability than former PBL. And PBL strategy can promote continuous active, self-directed learning, and the clinical adaptability of ophthalmology clinical-degree postgraduates and residences.

KEYWORDS：problem based learning(PBL); ophthalmology; medical education