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Updated: May 16, 2026
Implantation Protocol of the Foldable Capsular Vitreous Body for Complex Vitreoretinal Surgery
Published on: April 14, 2026
Experiences of vitreoretinal surgery fellows in the United States
Sophie J Bakri1, Saba T Alniemi, R V Paul Chan
1Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. bakri.sophie@mayo.edu
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical volume, training, and experiences of 2-year vitreoretinal surgery fellows in the United States.
Methods:
An anonymous survey was sent to 82 US graduating vitreoretinal surgery fellows and contained items relating to their training, self-perceived competency, and future plans.
Results:
A total of 54 fellows (66%) responded. Fellows most commonly performed <20 scleral buckles (38.9%) and 301 to 400 vitrectomies (27.8%) as primary surgeon. Fifty-two fellows performed epiretinal membrane peeling (96.3%), and 51 performed internal limiting membrane peeling (94.4%). Self-reported competency for treating rarer diseases was 90.7% for posterior uveitis and 22.6% for ocular oncology. Most (54.7%) planned to be employed in private practice.
Conclusion:
The experiences of vitreoretinal surgery fellows in the United States varied considerably.
