Cataract surgery training: Report of a trainee's experience

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Education

Background:

• Assessing cataract surgery training effectiveness post-COVID-19.
• Evaluating a structured 4-week phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a trainee's experience and skill development in cataract extraction.
• To evaluate the impact of a structured training program on surgical outcomes.

Main Methods:

• 4-week intensive training in phacoemulsification and IOL implantation.
• Tailored curriculum including lectures, observation, and hands-on practice.
• Logbook utilized for recording patient data and procedures.

Main Results:

• Trainee performed 58 phacoemulsification surgeries and 2 extracapsular cataract extractions.
• Surgical time decreased significantly from week 1 to week 4 (P=0.046).
• Lower complication rates observed in later training weeks and with less severe cataracts.

Conclusions:

• The 4-week training enhanced surgical confidence and micro-incisional skills.
• Structured cataract extraction courses improve ophthalmologists' skills efficiently.
• Enhanced surgical skills lead to better patient outcomes in cataract surgery.