Ophthalmology resident surgical training: Can we do better?

Abstract

In ophthalmology, surgical skills training is challenging for both teachers and residents. Teaching in an operating room is complicated by the fact that the attending faculty member is primarily an observer with limited ability to prevent surgical complications. With the recent modifications in residency curricula which include virtual reality surgical simulation and wet labs, the technical skills and clinical judgment can be taught and assessed without exposing the patient to extra risk. In this review, guidelines are suggested to improve the process of training during residency and they can be applied to all ophthalmic surgical training.