Dr David Lockington

Synopsis: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted medical education and surgical opportunities. Surgical simulation has partly filled some of the training gaps, but it should have been central prior to this disruption. In this Cataract Update Lecture, I will look at the historic methods of teaching and training and show why they were inadequate, demonstrated through the perils of the “Beyonce method”. I will then discuss the established and new simulation equipment options and methods. Proactive use of these novel training techniques will ensure that trainees have the knowledge and the experience required to perform surgical tasks safely prior to live surgery. Ensur- ing competence will improve confidence, which is relevant to the subsequent handling of greater surgical complexity and/or complications. These principles are not unique to new trainees, as the whole surgical team (including consul- tants) can always benefit from refinement of their skills. Expanding and engaging with ophthalmic simulation offers that opportunity. Embracing this attitude of constant learning and ensuring a better educational culture will result in a safer cataract experience for the trainer, the trainee and the patient (most importantly).
These issues will be discussed and illustrated within a lively and contemporary presentation, with concepts made memorable through surgical videos and tenuous links to popular music culture.