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Time requirements for mandatory cataract simulation modules

Eye volume 38, page 404 (2024)Cite this article

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Trainee engagement with ophthalmic simulation has been shown to result in safer cataract surgeries, with a 38% reduction in capsule rupture rates [1]. In light of this, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists have mandated that all ophthalmic specialty registrars must complete Modules A and B on the EYESI cataract simulator prior to embarking on intra-ocular surgery. This is to ensure greater familiarity with the surgical steps and to be higher up the learning curve, reducing patient risk. Trainees and trainers have recognised the benefits of surgical simulation exposure, particularly following COVID-related restrictions [2]. However, trainees have also reported barriers to engagement due to lack of dedicated time or limited access to such equipment [3,4,5]. There is no clear guidance as to the time commitment required to achieve Modules A and B, or the more complex Modules C and D.

In light of this, we performed an audit of usage of the EYESI simulator based in Glasgow for the West of Scotland trainees to ascertain these values, with a view towards recommendations.

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References

  1. Ferris JD, Donachie PH, Johnston RL, Barnes B, Olaitan M, Sparrow JM. Royal College of Ophthalmologists' National Ophthalmology Database study of cataract surgery: report 6. The impact of EyeSi virtual reality training on complications rates of cataract surgery performed by first and second year trainees. Br J Ophthalmol. 2020;104:324–9.

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  2. Campbell S, Hind J, Lockington D. Engagement with ophthalmic simulation training has increased following COVID-19 disruption-the educational culture change required? Eye (Lond). 2021;35:2660–1.

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  3. Ong WH, Hind J, Lockington D. Attitudes of ophthalmic trainees in Scotland towards surgical simulation engagement. Eye (Lond). 2022. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-022-02344-4.

  4. Lockington D, Saleh GM, Spencer AF, Ferris J. Dedicated time and resources are required to address variable engagement with ophthalmic simulation opportunities. Eye (Lond). 2022;36:2363.

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  5. Lockington D, Saleh GM, Spencer AF, Ferris J. Cost and time resourcing for ophthalmic simulation in the UK: a Royal College of Ophthalmologists' National Survey of regional Simulation Leads in 2021. Eye (Lond). 2022;36:1973–6.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Gartnavel General Hospital, 1053 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0YN, UK

    Tara McClay & David Lockington

Authors
  1. Tara McClay
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  2. David Lockington
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Contributions

DL had the initial idea. TM performed the audit and drafted the paper. DL revised the paper and provided senior support. All authors agree with the final submitted version.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to David Lockington.

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Competing interests

None. DL is the National Simulation Lead for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists at time of submission.

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McClay, T., Lockington, D. Time requirements for mandatory cataract simulation modules. Eye 38, 404 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41433-023-02700-y

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