Intraocular lens implantation: residents vs. staff

Our first 96 consecutive IOL implantations were reviewed. Results of resident cases (85% maintaining 20/40 or better acuity at an average follow-up of 16 months) were comparable to those of staff physicians at our institution as well as to those reported in the literature by experienced implant surgeons. Results of residents' initial cases improved with changes in surgical technique and increasing experience of the assisting staff. Training of residents in implantation with adequate assistance represents no increased risk to the patient, and is likely to decrease the risk to subsequent patients encountered in practice.