Optimizing resident education in cataract surgery

Evaluate recent literature focusing on improving or assessing resident education in cataract surgery.

Recently published studies outline methods of evaluating residents' performance, educational progress, and evaluating a surgical curriculum. Authors found that the rate of complications in resident-performed cataract surgery falls by 50% after the first 40 cases and stays the same for the next 20 cases. Preoperative risk factors for complications include mature cataract and abnormal zonular function. Left-handed residents had fewer complications compared with right-handed residents. Authors evaluated adherence by residents to the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Preferred Practice Patterns, and found that residents were lacking in eliciting patient's symptoms or function. A guide to establishing and maintaining a wet laboratory was published. Several studies evaluating the use of a physical-surgical simulator reported improvement in performance. The simulator was accepted and appreciated by residents. A cognitive simulation program was also found to be beneficial in improving fund of knowledge regarding cataract surgery.

Teaching cataract surgery remains a difficult task. Educators continue to focus on curriculum, assessment, and complications. Resources for education are improving with establishment of wet laboratories and development of surgical simulators.