Cataract surgery training in the independent sector

I am now most of the way through my ST3 year working in Plymouth, within the Peninsula Deanery. Before the start of the year, I was approached by one of my consultants who asked if I would like to carry...

Human factors in the operating room

The importance of minimising human error in surgery is well established. This was initially sparked by lessons learned from the aviation industry in the 1970s after several fatal flight accidents [1]. This became a catalyst for a movement on training...

The paediatric cataract: an overview of the diagnosis and management

In this second article (see first article here), Samuel Aryee and Rhys Dumont Jones review the challenges involved in managing this condition. Examination and diagnosis Cataracts in children can appear in a variety of forms, each presenting in a different...

How the other half live – ophthalmology training around the world

Ophthalmology speciality training is currently seven years in the UK without an additional fellowship. UK trainees are privileged to have a training programme that is held in high esteem across the world, but did you ever wonder what other trainees...

The paediatric cataract: an overview of the embryology and pathophysiology

In the first of the two articles (see Part 2 here) on paediatric cataracts, Samuel Aryee reviews the aetiology of this condition. Cataracts arise from opacification of the natural transparent lens, which can cause partial or total blindness. Although the...

Case series of toxic anterior segment syndrome

Herein we report two cases of toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) following uneventful cataract surgery. Both patients presented 24 hours after their uneventful operations with painless blurred vision in the operated eye. The inflammatory reaction was controlled successfully with an...

How to pass the Refraction Certificate

Unfortunately, I had the pleasure of getting to know this exam intimately. With adequate preparation this does not have to be the case for most people. The exam has recently changed to consist of 10 OSCE style stations (previously 12)....

Practical phacodynamics – making the most of your phacoemulsification machine

Understanding phacodynamics is appreciating the subtleties in the dynamic changes of the fluidics and the ultrasonic power delivered. Kristina Southcott explains. Increase my vacuum! Increase my bottle height! Increase my phaco power! I frequently observe the above commands being directed...

Laser corneal refractive procedures – a review

Evolution of refractive surgery stays true to the quote of Theodore Roosevelt: “The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.” Refractive surgery is an evolving field, which thanks modern technologies for refining ideas...

How I overcame the hurdle that is the FRCOphth Part 1

The FRCOphth Part 1 is one of the most difficult exams in ophthalmology training, with an exam pass rate of 39.6% over the last 12 months (compared to 60.8% for FRCOphth Part 2 oral [60.8%] and written [68.7%]). Stack the...

Technology in ophthalmology – a promising future and what we need to know about the regulations

Undoubtedly, ophthalmology is one of the greatest sources of inspiration for technological progress in medicine. Thus far, we have seen remarkable advancements in the technology used by ophthalmologists across all subspecialties. From simplifying common procedures, to treating previously incurable conditions,...

Light in darkness – manual small incision cataract surgery in India

Cataract has been documented to be the most significant cause of bilateral blindness in India, where vision <20/200 in the better eye on presentation is defined as blindness [1,2]. Estimation of blindness in India by the World Health Organization (WHO)...

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