Join us for a comprehensive two-day training program tailored for ophthalmologists interested on retina, ocular injections, vitrectomy, and buckle procedures.
This hands-on course is designed to enhance your knowledge and skills in these specialized areas of ophthalmology, equipping you with the expertise needed to excel in your practice. Available select weekends in September, October and November 2024.
During the course the physicians will be assisted by a mentor who will be always by their side explain how to perform each procedure.
Participants will have the unique opportunity and privilege of working with Near Reality Surgical Specimens (NRSS). These specimens are cadavers with eye globes preserved using a proprietary method, providing participants with the closest-to-reality surgical experience possible. This is a first of a kind experience available to non-academic institutions.
In addition, the participant will have the opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest equipment available in the industry, as the associated intraoperative OCT, that will guide the exactly point and location for the incisions and/or proper injections and drug delivery.
Day 1:
On the first day, immerse yourself in a dynamic learning environment as we delve into essential topics and practical sessions. The day kicks off with the opportunity to warm up with the new equipment and practice tissue handling techniques during the first hands-on session. Then, we will explore the nuances of the broad aspect of all types of eye injections preparing for current and future therapies. The procedures performed will be recorded and discussed in the following discussion session. Participants will return to another hands-on session to perform and improve the procedures based on the weakness and challenges discussed. Instructors will simulate challenging situations in the models and the surgeons will need to use all the skills developed to overcome them. This will give the surgeons confidence to deal with challenging situations faced in practice.
Day 2
The second day provides the participants the opportunity to improve or develop skills for buckle and sponge procedures as well as procedures involved in the vitrectomy surgery. A discussion that includ indications and techniques will be followed by a hands-on session to perform buckle and/or sponge placement and suture as well as proper scleral drainage. Review of the procedures and discussion of the skills developed for buckling will a bring the participant to the last session, where vitrectomy procedures and techniques will be discussed and applied. Basic principles of vitrectomy, including sclerotomies and instrument management inside the eye as well as learning about managing several vitreous substitutes or fillers.
By the end of the program, the surgeon will be equipped with the knowledge and proficiency to perform and excel in eye injections, will review and learn about scleral buckles and procedures involved in a successful vitrectomy in a very special setting with a unique surgical model
Program
Day 0
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 19:00 – 21:00 | Welcome Dinner |
Day 1
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 09:00 AM – 09:15 AM | Introductions and Opening of the Course |
| 09:15 AM – 10:00 AM | Discussion 1 – Intraocular Injections Available Subconjunctival, Subtenon, Suprachoroidal, and Intravitreal Proper techniques and discussion of indications |
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Hands-on 1 with Mentoring Equipment presentation, warm-up, tissue handling, and injections practice |
| 12:00 AM – 01:00 PM | Discussion 2 – Video Review and Challenges Faced During the Hands-on |
| 01:00 PM – 04:00 PM | Hands-on 2 with Mentoring Practice on challenging cases and complications Repeating techniques and improving maneuvers proficiency |
Day 2
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM | Debrief of Day 1 Activities |
| 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM | Discussion 1 – Buckle vs. Sponge, Pros and Cons, Indications, Complications |
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
Hands-on 1 with Mentoring Conjunctival access, proper muscle repair and exposition, buckle and sponge suture with proper scleral drainage |
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Discussion 2 – Exploration of Basic Principles of Vitrectomy and Techniques for Infusion/Extrusion of Vitreous Substitutes |
| 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
Hands-on 2 with Mentoring Practice in crucial steps of vitrectomy, using advanced equipment and improving skills for handling diverse vitreous substitutes |
Who Should Attend
Why Attend
- Unique experience for training in Near Reality Surgical Specimens (NRSS), that replicate the surgical setting the closest possible to reality.
- Gain practical experience in retina related procedures, vitrectomy, and scleral buckling through hands-on mentored sessions.
- Learn from experienced instructors who are international leaders in the field of ophthalmology.
- Network with ophthalmologists and exchange insights and best practices.
- Earn continuing medical education (CME) credits upon completion of the program.