Summary Background The time spent on ophthalmology training in medical schools has reduced over the last decades, and the number of doctors unable to solve the most basic ophthalmic problems has increased. Methods We conducted a questionnaire with non‐ophthalmologist doctors in order to assess the confidence level of their direct ophthalmoscopy examination. This test is very important for the diagnosis of diseases that could lead to blindness, and should be learned by all medical students. Results The results showed that the doctors had difficulty and lacked confidence in performing the examination. For this reason, we have developed a new model and teaching method of direct ophthalmoscopy based on neuroscientific concepts. The number of doctors unable to solve the most basic ophthalmic problems has increased Discussion This model provides students with greater involvement in the learning process as they build their own model, a practice that shows the concepts of the physics behind direct ophthalmoscopy. Implication This will benefit the population by providing an early diagnosis of diseases that threaten life and vision.