The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Cataract Surgery Trainer, a virtual training tool which helps to train physicians to perform cataract surgery, has been shown to enhance teaching in cataract surgery when compared to traditional teaching methods. The results of a multi-center study evaluating the program's effectiveness as a supplement to traditional teaching tools was published in the February issue of Ophthalmology.
Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed surgery in the United States on people over 65 years old, yet it is one of the most difficult surgeries to learn. John Loewenstein, M.D., Mass. Eye and Ear Associate Chief of Ophthalmology for Clinical Affairs and Vice Chair of Education for Ophthalmology, and Bonnie An Henderson, M.D., former director of Mass. Eye and Ear's Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service, developed the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Cataract Surgery Trainer as an interactive computer program to assist ophthalmology residents in learning skills required to perform cataract surgery.
The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Cataract Surgery Trainer allows ophthalmology residents to experience the decisions required and tasks involved in performing cataract surgery in a virtual environment. Specifically, the program allows the learner or resident to click on actions involved in cataract surgery, view the animated actions on the computer screen and receive feedback as needed. Residents receive the benefit of having access to tips related to the specific surgical task they are performing, or utilizing the option of browsing to learn more about related topics. The program offers a library with resources to the learner, including commentary from experts, surgeons and professors in ophthalmology and video demonstrations. The program also includes video clips of actual surgery.
Important benefits of The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Cataract Surgery Trainer include allowing learners to practice the cognitive skills involved in cataract surgery and view the consequences of their surgical decision making in a safe, computer simulated environment. In addition, The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Cataract Surgery Trainer allows residents to practice surgery at any time, without the need of a teacher or instructor being present. Ultimately, these benefits will be passed on to the patient. To take a look at The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Cataract Surgery Trainer for yourself and view a demonstration, visit http://www.gnaritas.com/.