Skills Courses

Explore the online learning and practical surgical skills courses available to medical students, ophthalmologists in training and experienced ophthalmologists.

Taking place in the College’s state-of-the-art Skills Centre with the latest equipment and technology, the two courses will cover an introduction to ophthalmic surgery and an introduction to phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Both courses feature hands-on learning to build confidence with using operating microscopes and different suturing techniques. The focus will be on developing practical skills so all participants will be expected to complete pre-course e-learning and follow short introductions to topics.

Introduction to Ophthalmic Surgery course

This one-day course offers trainees, foundation doctors and medical students an opportunity to learn the core skills and building blocks to perform ophthalmic surgery.

In the pre-course e-learning you will develop an understanding of microsurgical instruments, suturing techniques and how to use an operating microscope before putting this knowledge to use in our Skills Centre.

The course will include five hours of simulated surgery using cutting-edge model eyes and each participant will have the opportunity to spend 15 minutes on the EyeSi simulation machine.

It is not mandatory to attend this course if you take up a post within a UK ophthalmology training programme however you will be awarded 1 point for your portfolio at ST1 National Recruitment.

For an insight into the course structure, take a look at the programme.

Introduction to Phacoemulsification course

This two-day course offers ST1s and LAT trainees an introduction to phacoemulsification cataract surgery, once EyeSi courseware A and B training has been completed. This is a mandatory course for all new ST1s and LAT trainees; it must be completed before undertaking any live intraocular surgery.

The course uses a combination of wet-labs and a Digital Surgical Classroom to enable trainees to practical core skills on the EyeSi. Using pre-course e-learning on detailed explanations of phacoemulsification techniques trainees are guaranteed to be able to practice 20 complete phacoemulsification procedures over the two days.

For more information on the course and the topics covered, take a look at the programme.

Five Stellaris Elite™ systems have been installed at the RCOphth as part of a collaboration with Bausch + Lomb so that trainees and ophthalmologists can practice their surgical techniques in the safety of a simulation setting using state-of-the-art equipment available in the UK.

Ocular Trauma course

The ocular trauma course is a practical course which will focus on the management of complex corneal lacerations, iris trauma, corneo-scleral lacerations and globe rupture.

This will be a ‘hands on’ course with the emphasis on practicing surgical techniques and interactive small group teaching, rather than didactic lectures. The course is aimed at Ophthalmologists who provide surgical on-call services such as ST5-7 trainees, Fellows and Consultants.

Ocular Trauma webinar

Join John Ferris in our second of a series of four webinars from the RCOphths skills faculty, focusing on ocular trauma.

Cataract Surgery Complications course

This course will focus on the practical management of posterior capsule rupture and zonular dialysis.

This will be a ‘hands on’ course with the emphasis on practicing anterior vitrectomy techniques, the use of capsular tension rings, capsule hooks and sulcus IOL implantation. There will also be interactive small group teaching on how to prevent surgical complications during phacoemulsification surgery.

Cataract Surgery Complications Webinar

Join John Ferris, Will Dean and Kieran Darcy in the first of a series of four webinars from the RCOphths skills faculty, focusing on cataract surgery complications.

Registration for bookings

You need to create an account with the RCOphth to book courses and events – you will be asked to register your details at the time of booking.  If you have already registered with RCOphth, you must book courses with your account details by logging into My RCOphth.

Book A Skills Course

Please choose and book your course carefully. Note that we do not operate a waiting list. Cancellation charges are clearly stated on the terms and conditions which you must read and accept when making a booking.

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