Ophthalmology residents at Tulane get real surgery experience using virtual reality

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Ophthalmology residents at Tulane University School of Medicine are among the first in the nation to get their hands on a new virtual reality (VR) simulator. The Alcon Fidelis Virtual Reality Surgical Simulator provides a realistic and immersive experience that allows residents to practice the steps of cataract surgery without the need for a patient or an operating room.

"We are excited to offer this innovative VR training to our residents," said David Hinkle, MD, Oliver and Carroll Dabezies Chair in Ophthalmology and Professor at Tulane University School of Medicine. "The simulator provides our residents with a safe and effective way to learn the skills they need to perform cataract surgery with confidence."

The VR simulator is based on Alcon's real-world cataract surgery platform. It allows residents to practice the steps of cataract surgery, including making incisions, removing the lens, and implanting a new lens. The simulator also provides feedback on the resident's performance, helping them identify and correct errors.

A generous donation from Tulane alumni Paul Lee, John Park, and In Shin brought the simulator to Tulane.

“We are so grateful to these outstanding alumni for their commitment to ensuring the Tulane Ophthalmology residents were among the first in the world to access this new simulation technology,” said Dr. Hinkle.

The VR simulator is available to all residents in the ophthalmology residency program at Tulane. The program plans to expand the use of the simulator for glaucoma and retinal surgery procedures in the future.