This course offers foundational skills training for the beginning ophthalmic surgeon. It teaches the handling of microsurgical instruments under a microscope with materials and techniques relevant to ophthalmic surgery.

Pre-course online material includes access to teaching videos on suturing techniques.

Suitability: This is a foundational course which is aimed at trainees starting out in ophthalmic microsurgery. If you are inexperienced at microsurgery, we recommend that you complete this course prior to applying for any of our other courses.

Course duration: 1 day

This course provides detailed, step-by-step, simulation training of the MSICS procedure with an emphasis on sustained deliberate practice of each step to achieve competence. Trainees use operating microscopes and all relevant surgical instruments to perform each step of the procedure using plastic eyes. Where appropriate, certain steps are practiced on the Eyesi® simulator.

Pre-course online material includes videos and other resources.

Suitability: This course is a foundational cataract course aimed at medical officers and junior registrars in ophthalmology. Candidates should preferably be working at facilities which offer regular cataract surgical procedures, with the intension that they will be able to continue cataract surgery training under supervision. 

Course duration: 3 days

This course provides detailed discussion and hands-on simulation of the practical management of more complex and complicated MSICS surgery. Trainees use operating microscopes and all relevant surgical instruments to perform the steps required to complete more complex cases using plastic eyes. Where appropriate, certain steps are practiced on the Eyesi® simulator.

Pre-course online material includes videos and other resources.

Suitability: This course is aimed at competent MSICS surgeons who perform MSICS procedures on a regular basis and those who provide teaching in MSICS techniques.  

Course duration: 2 days

This course provides detailed, step-by-step, simulation training of the phacoemulsification procedure with an emphasis on sustained deliberate practice of each step to achieve competence. Trainees use operating microscopes and all relevant surgical instruments to perform each step of the procedure using plastic eyes. Most steps of the procedure will also be practiced on the Eyesi® simulator.

Pre-course online material includes videos and other resources.

Suitability: This is a thorough foundational course for ophthalmic trainee surgeons who already have basic microsurgical skills and experience with MSICS procedures. Attendees should preferably be working in a training environment where phaco surgery is performed regularly, where they can continue their training under supervision.  

Course duration: 3 days

This course provides detailed, step-by-step, simulation training of the trabeculectomy procedure with an emphasis on sustained deliberate practice of each step to achieve competence. Trainees use operating microscopes and all relevant surgical instruments to perform each step of the procedure using plastic eyes.

Pre-course online material includes videos and other resources.

Suitability: Applicants should already have basic ophthalmic microsurgical competency and be working in an environment where they can continue their training under supervision.

Course duration: 1 day

This course provides detailed, step-by-step, simulation training of Glaucoma Drainage Device insertion with an emphasis on sustained deliberate practice of each step to achieve competence. Trainees use operating microscopes and all relevant surgical instruments to perform each step of the procedure using plastic eyes.

Pre-course online material includes videos and other resources.

Suitability: Applicants should be competent intraocular surgeons and have glaucoma surgical experience. They should be completely familiar with Trabeculectomy procedures.

Course duration: 1 day

This course provides detailed, step-by-step, simulation training of the Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy (GATT) procedure with an emphasis on sustained deliberate practice of each step to achieve competence. Trainees use operating microscopes and all relevant surgical instruments to perform each step of the procedure using plastic eyes.

Pre-course online material includes videos and other resources.

Suitability: Applicants should be competent intraocular surgeons and have glaucoma surgical experience. They should be competent at clinical gonioscopy.

Course duration: 1 day

This course is aimed at intermediate to senior registrars who may have had limited exposure to retinal surgery. It is designed to introduce the trainee to principles of retinal surgery and provide a foundational understanding of pars plana vitrectomy. It will teach competence in trocar insertion, the use of microscope viewing systems, indentation techniques, and the handling of retinal surgical instruments. You will have opportunity to work in the ‘environment’ of the indirect viewing system with both ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ model eyes and perform simulated vitrectomies using ‘egg-white’ filled eyes. 

The course will explain general concepts and principles of various retinal procedures including, macular surgery, retinal detachment surgery, diabetic vitrectomy, and management of retained lens material after complicated cataract surgery. 

This course provides a foundation for understanding the basics of retinal surgery, but it is important to note that it alone will not provide the skills necessary to manage the challenges and complications that can arise during the procedure. To become a competent retinal surgeon, we recommend pursuing further training through a retinal fellowship position.

Suitability: Applicants should be competent in ophthalmic microsurgery and cataract surgery. 

Course duration: 2 or 3 days (please see advertised dates)