Dr Patricia McGettrick, Consultant Ophthalmologist, who is using the simulator to train the young ophthalmic surgeons of Ireland has sent the following report.
'The Irish College of Ophthalmologists acquired the EYESi ophthalmic surgery simulator in 2006 to provide virtual intraocular training in cataract and retinal surgery. It is situated in the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin.
Currently trainee ophthalmic surgeons use the cataract module under supervision from a trained ophthalmic surgeon. A customised training programme which brings the trainee through from the basic to the most difficult tasks has been set up. Each trainee starts with the anti-tremor step and moves to full phacoemulsification of the cataract depending on their skill level and individual training goals. We have around 20 basic surgical trainees (BST) and each one is guaranteed at least 4 sessions per year, each session lasting two hours. Each doctor has their own access password and identification code which is private to them.
Tasks are scored, and the score is recorded so that trainees can see a record of their previous skills score and thus compare the progression of their surgical ability over time. Those that have had the benefit of training on the simulator report a definite progressive improvement in their surgical confidence, and skill in the clinical setting, which is, after all, the purpose of this training tool. The customised training programme has also been used as part of the surgical skills assessment of trainees for entry onto our Specialist Registrar rotation.
We are currently recruiting trained ophthalmic surgeons, at consultant level, to enrol in a study to test their surgical skills before and after simulator sessions, as we feel the simulator role can be expanded to benefit surgeons at all levels, not just those in training.
EYESi provides a highly realistic surgical experience where surgical skills can be developed and improved in a safe, non threatening (for both doctor and patients) environment, a perfect way to teach.'
In 2010 the RCSI will celebrate 200 years located on St Stephen's Green. As part of the celebrations the Irish College of Ophthalmologists has been invited to hold the annual conference in the RCSI. Stat One Services will be showing the latest Virtual Reality Training Equipment from VRmagic.
On stand 18A Stat One Services will be showing the latest Virtual Reality Training Equipment from VRmagic. We shall also be showing Electrophysiology Instrumentation from LKC Technologies, the leading American Manufacturer in the field.
On 23rd November 2006, Stat One Services were pleased to install the new VRmagic EYESi simulator at the Western Eye Hospital, the first Hospital in the UK to have an EYESi Cataract and Vitreoretinal Surgery simulator. "The EYESi Virtual Reality Ophthalmic Simulator is a training device that enables junior eye surgeons to learn the delicate skills of operating without touching a real patient. WEH Lead Clinician, Consultant Ophthalmologist Philip Bloom said the introduction of the simulator was an exciting development for the hospital, which trains more than 50 young doctors each year."
The presentation afternoon was opened by Baroness Hanham, Chairman of St Mary's NHS Trust, and the unveiling was performed by Mark Nicholls of the St Mary’s Paddington Charitable Trust. Stat One look forward to working with the Western Eye to develop surgical skills and advance the application of Virtual Reality in ophthalmic Surgery.