EyeWorld is the official news magazine of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
Issue link: https://digital.eyeworld.org/i/1543566
SPRING 2026 | EYEWORLD | 57 C exposure to newer technologies, multifocal IOLs, or MIGS, while others may have more lim- ited exposure in those areas," he said. Ultimate- ly, he said it's up to the resident to develop a strong baseline understanding of safety and fun- damentals, which then allows them to responsi- bly build into more advanced phaco techniques, premium IOL decision-making, and MIGS. Dr. Micheletti added that supplemental experience through electives, wet labs, meet- ings, and visiting opportunities is important. "Fellowships are also an excellent option," he said. "When I was a resident, I was not aware of private practice fellowships, but they can offer high-volume surgical and clinical experience, in addition to clinical trials and exposure to advanced technologies, and they are a valuable Additionally, she noted that there are opportunities to learn more in certain areas of interest. Residents can go through elective rotations, do research, and spend time on their own with attendings in their specialty of choice. Fellowship training allows for high volume in a specialty of choice to sharpen those skills. Dr. Micheletti agreed that the primary focus of residency is fundamentals. "That starts with understanding the normal eye, then disease states, then clinical decision-making, and finally progresses into surgical safety and complication management," he said. "Those foundations are what everything else is built on." He agreed with Dr. Patel that exposure can vary widely by program. "Technology availabil- ity differs, faculty interests differ, and patient populations differ. Some residents get extensive continued on page 58 Got Mites? Demodex Mites Live on the Eyelids! Demodex mites are a part of our environment and live on our faces, usually without problems. When overpopulation occurs, eyelid irritations can arise. OCuSOFT ® Lid Scrub ® Oust ® Eyelid Cleanser is an extra strength cleanser with tea tree oil that effectively relieves irritation from the eyelashes, eyelids, brow, and face. © 2026 OCuSOFT Inc, Rosenberg, TX 77471 USA For more information call (800) 233-5469 or visit www.ocusoft.com