Cataract Master, the cataract surgical training tool created at Mass. Eye and Ear in 2012 by John I. Loewenstein, MD, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Associate Clinical Chief of Ophthalmology at Mass. Eye and Ear, and former Harvard Ophthalmology faculty member Bonnie An Henderson, MD, is now available to all American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) members to use at no cost.
Phacoemulsification cataract surgery (phaco) is one of the most frequently performed eye surgeries in the United States, but it is also incredibly complex procedure to learn. This innovative, computer-based simulation tool bridges the learning gap that trainees must navigate prior to performing actual surgery.
“The Cataract Master program aims to minimize clinical risk, while providing residents and practicing ophthalmologists with the most authentic cataract surgical experience possible outside of the OR,” Dr. Loewenstein said. “The goals are to boost skills and confidence, to better prepare residents for the surgical experience, and to raise the quality of patient care everywhere.”
The Cataract Master offers a self-guided, self-correcting curriculum that requires trainees to make decisions based on realistic surgical situations and teaches them how to manage difficulties and complications. The simulator contains true-to-life animations along with videos of actual surgeries and expert discussions of each phase of the procedure.
AAO members can access the Cataract Master tool online at any time.