IPOSC Newsletter (October 2024)

The American Academy of Ophthalmology, in partnership with FundamentalVR, a global leader in immersive surgical training, announces the launch of the Academy’s VR Education program, a groundbreaking initiative that harnesses the power of virtual reality (VR) to transform ophthalmic education and training. Supported by a generous $5 million grant from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, the platform offers a free and open simulation platform for ophthalmologists and trainees around the world to expand their skill in diagnosing and treating eye diseases and conditions.

The first phase of the program focuses on pediatric ophthalmology, specifically retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). ROP is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children globally, affecting up to 30 percent of preterm infants in middle-income countries and between 5 and 8 percent in the United States.

Unfortunately, the opportunity for trainees to learn how to properly examine and treat babies with ROP is limited. Options are fewer outside of the United States, as many countries allow residents to perform only a limited number of procedures in children.

The VR simulator allows practitioners to diagnose and treat ROP, using techniques such as indirect ophthalmoscopy, laser therapy, and intravitreal injections, all within an immersive and lifelike virtual environment. The simulator offers both independent practice and multi-user guided instruction, offering comprehensive learning for trainees at all levels.

The immersive training not only accelerates competency but also significantly reduces the potential for complications in infants with this potentially blinding condition. Using the platform, ophthalmologists can train from anywhere, while detailed analytics offer personalized feedback to help refine their skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world procedures.

IPOSC is already planning to boost the efforts of increasing access to ROP training for ophthalmologists across the globe, starting with the partners of the Stop Infant Blindness in Africa (SIBA). And thanks to the generous funding from the Knights, the program will be available for free for all the training and practicing ophthalmologists.

Pictures from the CWRU resident training session