Ophthalmology trainees are gaining invaluable surgical experience at Newmedica, an independent provider of NHS and private ophthalmology services. Newmedica Consultants report they are enthusiastic about sharing their skills and experience with the next generation of Ophthalmic surgeons to support the delivery of high-quality patient care and outcomes.
Newmedica Suffolk recently hosted a landmark training event in conjunction with the East of England Deanery for Ophthalmic trainees focused on aspects of complex cataract surgery, lens implant options for patients and the latest generation of virtual reality surgical simulation to support training.
A Landmark Training Day
National experts jointly delivered training on the latest developments in the field of cataract surgery and the future surgical simulation to Ophthalmology trainees from the East of England in an event organised and hosted by Newmedica Suffolk.
Newmedica Suffolk Clinical Director and educational lead, Usman Hussain - who organised the landmark event - explained "training and education are incredibly important to us and we’re proud to be able to deliver such high-quality educational material in such an innovative way."
Fellow directors, Raj Hanspal and Rose Smith, added: "We are passionate about incorporating cutting edge technology into how we care for patients and how we train our staff and future Consultants."
The day featured the latest generation of surgical simulation technology for Ophthalmology trainees to hone their skills on and workshops focussing on planning and safely delivering surgical care in the most challenging and complex of cases.
Sirjhun Patel, from West Suffolk Hospital, delivered an interactive session on complex cases from his fellowship with Ike Ahmed at the University of Toronto, providing insights into challenging glaucoma cases.
"I was delighted to be invited to speak at an educational event for the East of England trainees. It was a fantastic opportunity to share knowledge and discuss clinical pearls from my fellowship with the ophthalmologists of the future," he said.
Johannes Keller, from the Bristol Eye Hospital and Newmedica Bristol, spoke about the safe management of retinal issues in cataract surgery and the importance of patient-focussed care.
Qasim Mansoor shared the hugely positive experience Ophthalmology trainees have benefited from at Newmedica Teesside and the model his team have developed to enhance existing training pathways. "Great quality is good for the NHS, good for the independent sector and great for patients," said Mansoor.
Nigel Kirkpatrick, Medical Director at Newmedica, explained Newmedica defines itself by its patient outcomes. "It’s about getting it right for patients" said Kirkpatrick. “We are local doctor owned and run, treating local patients and collaborating with local optometrists," he said.
The Trainee Ophthalmologist Perspective
East of England trainee, Peta Lowin, who trains in cataract surgery with the team at Newmedica Suffolk says: "I feel privileged to have had such amazing surgical training from Consultants who are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable."
Peta adds: "Training at Newmedica has been invaluable in learning about advanced surgical techniques and premium lens implant options for patients."
Following her training at Newmedica, Peta will be applying for a Consultant Ophthalmologist post equipped with what she has learnt with the team at Newmedica.
