Scientific Program
GP61 - Simulation-Based Education (SBE) for Cataract and Anterior Segment Surgical Training (Ophthalmology Foundation)
Date
12/03/2026
Hall
Meeting Room L-04
From
11:30
To
12:40
Summary
A Course by the Ophthalmology Foundation Coordinators : • Prashant Garg • Parikshit Gogate • Avinash Pathengay • Meena Swaminathan • Akshay G Nair Synopsis ----------- Background: For decades, ophthalmic surgical training has relied on the apprenticeship model—effective but increasingly challenged by heightened expectations for patient safety, reduced training hours, greater surgical volume pressures, and the need for preparedness for rare intraoperative events. These forces have created an urgent need for complementary training approaches that accelerate skill acquisition while reducing risk. Main body: Simulation-based education (SBE) offers a structured, safe, and learner-centered method for building surgical competence. It provides guided, reproducible experiences that mimic critical elements of real procedures without exposing patients to risk. Learners can deliberately practice both routine and complex steps, receive immediate feedback, and progress at an individualized pace. Widely adopted in aviation and other high-stakes industries, SBE has demonstrated clear benefits in medicine—including enhanced psychomotor skills, reduced complication rates, improved decision-making, and greater learner confidence. In ophthalmology, rapid advances in cataract and anterior segment simulators now allow educators to design standardized, measurable, and research-informed skill-building programs. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of SBE for cataract and anterior segment surgery, including educational theory, curricular design, simulator selection, integration strategies, and real-world experiences from international educators. Format: A mix of short lectures, demonstrations, case-based discussions, audience polling, and interactive Q&A. Course Overview ------------------- • Duration: 70 minutes • Audience: Ophthalmologist-educators, fellowship directors, simulation lab leads, and surgical trainers with an interest in cataract and anterior segment surgery • Goal: Equip participants to integrate effective, evidence-based simulation training into residency and fellowship programs by understanding theory, curriculum design, assessment tools, and implementation strategies. Learning Objectives By the end of this course, participants will be able to: 1. Explain the theoretical foundations and evidence supporting simulation-based surgical education. 2. Identify and compare simulation platforms relevant to cataract and anterior segment training. 3. Design or refine a competency-based simulation curriculum using best-practice models. 4. Apply principles of deliberate practice and mastery learning to improve trainee outcomes. 5. Implement strategies for assessment, feedback, and research within simulation programs. Course Outline 1. Introduction (3 min) • Why SBE matters now: global surgical volumes, patient safety, competency-based training • What SBE can—and cannot—replace in surgical education 2. Foundations of Simulation-Based Education (12 min) • Educational theories supporting SBE (Deliberate Practice, Mastery Learning, Feedback Models) • Advantages: skill transfer, safety, standardization, assessment • Limitations & challenges: cost, faculty training, curriculum integration • Evidence of effectiveness in surgical training 3. Simulators for Cataract Surgery Training (12 min) • Overview of available simulators, physical models, and hybrid platforms • Strengths, limitations, cost considerations • Mapping simulation modules to key steps of cataract and anterior segment surgeries • Defining a structured “scope of skilling” 4. Designing a Model SBE Curriculum for Cataract Surgery (12 min) • Competency milestones and progression pathways • Integrating SBE into residency timelines • Assessment tools • Faculty roles and feedback strategies 5. Building a Research-Informed Learning Program (12 min) • Aligning curriculum with education theory • Using data and VR metrics to guide training • Developing research questions & quality improvement measures • Examples of published SBE studies in ophthalmology 6. Discussion: Implementation Experiences (12 min) • Practical challenges and solutions • Setting up a simulation lab: logistics, staffing, cost, funding • Stories of learning transformation and impact • Audience Q&A with real-time polling 7. Wrap-Up & Next Steps (7 min) • Key takeaways • Resources from the Ophthalmology Foundation • Encouraging global collaboration & research
Membership No
Name
Topic
Role
Duration
Consented
M05414
Dr.Meenakshi Swaminathan
Coordinator
Withdrawn
N12639
Dr.Akshay Nair
Curriculam Assessment simulstion on based training
Coordinator
Yes
G06928
Dr.Parikshit Gogate
What is the current status of Resitency
Coordinator
Yes
G05117
Dr.Prashant Garg
Learning and Training
Coordinator
Yes
P10137
Dr.Avinash Pathengay
Coordinator
Withdrawn
Non Member
Murali kousik
Ground Report Simulation
Co-Instructor
10
