Chances are if you have a cataract operation in the next few years, your ophthalmologist underwent a key required section of his raining to perform that operation at the PA Hospital.
Thanks to co-funding from the PA Research Foundation and its donors the PA’s Ophthalmology Department is home to an Eyesi Surgical Simulator which is used to train the next generation of ophthalmologists across Queensland.
The machine was acquired in 2020 during the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic, which meant it unfortunately was unable to be used for six months before the creators of the simulator who are based in Germany were able to upload required updates and the latest training modules.
But from 2021 onwards first year Ophthalmology registrars from across Queensland have been undergoing training using the simulator which trains firstly hand eye coordination before moving gradually through modules to the final module which is simulated cataract surgery.
Director of the PA Hospital’s Ophthalmology Department Dr Lily Ooi said though the Eyesi machine can also train retina surgery its main use is in preparing first year registrars for surgery on patients by refining their fine motor skills.
“It is now a part of the required training by the college of Ophthalmologists for registrars before they can undertake cataract and retina surgery,” she said.
“It is used primarily to train hand and eye coordination, the basic training program gets them used to the microscope and to practice their hand and eye coordination and understanding where their hand is while looking through the microscope, that is very important practice to undertake.
“The first year registrars cannot do a live surgery unless they have achieved a basic level on the simulator. They have to achieve 80 per cent on the cataract surgery simulation on three consecutive attempts and more than 80 per cent before they are allowed to operate on live patients.
“The second third and fourth years have access to it if they want to train or practice something or have a go at retinal surgery but they are not required to get a score before they can operate. Only the first years have to achieve the score.
“We also can train new overseas fellows who’ve applied for a position, we can get them to use the simulator and get them to do the operations on the simulator to see if they are up to the standard we require in Australia before they start.”
Dr Ooi said the support of this unique piece of equipment, which also runs of Wi-fi supplied by the Foundation has contributed to improved patient safety across Queensland.
“The Foundation’s donors should know that through their support in co-funding this simulator they have greatly improved patient safety.
PA Research Foundation Chief Executive Officer Damian Topp said the surgical simulator was a prime example of the Foundation’s mission.
“As well as research, we’re proud to fund initiatives that support patients and educate staff to provide the very best care possible. The Eyesi machine is a perfect example of what we’re always striving to achieve,” he said.
“When we saw the opportunity to not only improve patient care and safety but also help educate Ophthalmologists now and into the future to deliver that high standard of care and patient safety, we jumped at it.
“Our donors and supporters give so others can benefit and to say thank you to the PA for their care or that of loved one and we are always grateful for that level of trust.”
