Eyeworld

62 | EYEWORLD | SPRING 2025 ATARACT C YES CONNECT by Ellen Stodola Editorial Co-Director About the physicians Anthony Chung, MD Assistant Professor University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle, Washington Jaclyn Haugsdal, MD Clinical Assistant Professor University of Iowa Coralville, Iowa Omar Krad, MD Eye Associates of Orange County Mission Viejo, California The landscape of surgical training is evolving at an unprecedented pace. While in-person residency remains a critical foundation for skill develop- ment, the rise of digital tools has expanded the way ophthalmologists learn and refine surgical techniques. Social media and online platforms have broadened access to education, bringing world-class training within reach for surgeons everywhere. Advanced simulation tools, virtual reality operating rooms, and artificial intelligence (AI) are redefining how trainees gain experience and confidence. With a blend of traditional and virtual methods, the next generation of ophthal- mologists can now access comprehensive, immer- sive training that was once unimaginable. As a surgeon, I rely heavily on the foundation I obtained during my residency and fellowship training. Yet, I continue to grow and evolve by learning from other skilled surgeons online, ex- ploring innovative techniques, and staying current with the latest advancements in our field. Ashraf Ahmad, MD, YES Connect Guest Editor N ew tools in surgical training are con- stantly improving teaching methods. In this YES Connect column, several physicians discussed digital tools for surgical training and how these fit in with more traditional training approaches. Surgical training is undergoing a revolution, said Omar Krad, MD. "While residency remains the cornerstone, the landscape is expanding beyond traditional programs to publicly accessi- ble platforms like YouTube and Instagram. The internet has democratized higher education, making specialized surgical skills more accessi- ble than ever before," he said. "Previously, aspir- ing surgeons often had to travel long distances, even internationally, for advanced training. Today, the internet has effectively placed the world's expertise into a single, global classroom, transforming how surgeons learn and develop their craft." He added that although the necessary technology has been available for years, its impact on surgical training was initially limited by a scarcity of online content. "Fortunately, this landscape is shifting dramatically," he said. "More and more surgeons are embracing online platforms to share educational content, enrich- ing the learning experience for their peers." Anthony Chung, MD, said there are a num- ber of simulation tools available in ophthalmol- ogy. He noted the Eyesi (Haag-Streit). "We've integrated these types of technologies thorough- ly in the field," he said. Since Dr. Chung has been in practice, he said that the recent trend has been to get more immersive and use virtual reality headsets to create a 3D world that you're sitting in virtually. "I trained at a time when this has been commonplace for residents to have virtual real- ity," Dr. Chung said. The extent to which these tools are integrated in each program is varied quite a bit, he said, but he added that many programs have these simulators as part of the curriculum to gain experience. Jaclyn Haugsdal, MD, also noted some of the available virtual simulators. She mentioned that the Eyesi has been around the longest, and there are newer simulators being developed, such as those from HelpMeSee, Fidelis (Alcon), and FundamentalVR. Some of these are manual small incision cataract simulators, such as HelpMeSee and FundamentalVR, whereas Eyesi and the Fidelis are more in line with phacoemulsification simulation. One of the best features of virtual simula- tors is the repetition, Dr. Haugsdal said. "They usually are easy to set up and clean up, and it's easy to get in many repetitions in a short timeframe without using additional resources or supplies. For beginners, the simulators provide realistic enough feel to help develop the basics of surgical techniques. With the benefit of easy repetition, they can be an excellent resource." Simulators are also great at teaching hand positioning, moving in the eye, and maintaining centration. Dr. Krad said that in-person residency train- ing is essential for establishing a strong founda- tion in ophthalmology. "However, my attendings emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, noting that many procedures they currently perform weren't part of their own residency training," he said. "While a solid foundation is crucial, digital tools can be incredibly effective for skill development post-residency. Without that strong initial foundation, though, there's Digital tools for surgical training

• Cover