How a VR Tool is Transforming Cataract Surgery Training for Eye Doctors

Addressing the Global Cataract Surgery Shortage

Cataracts – the cloudy patches formed on the lens of a person's eye – are one of the leading causes of blindness globally, according to the World Health Organization. Despite being easily treatable, the gap in accessible surgeries results from a significant shortage of ophthalmologists, especially in low and middle-income countries.

Innovative Solutions in Eye Care Education

To combat this issue, a revolutionary VR tool developed by Orbis and FundamentalVR serves as a training simulator for medical students specializing in ophthalmic surgery. The program focuses particularly on cataract procedures.

• This immersive tool uses virtual reality combined with haptic feedback to create a realistic, safe practice environment.
• It enables trainees to experience the tactile sensation of human tissue, crucial for proper surgical training.
• Additionally, the simulator uses cloud assessment data and is built on low-cost gaming hardware, making it accessible.

Global Implementation and Impact

This innovative program is already in use in hospitals across various countries, including Ethiopia, Bangladesh, India, China, and Mongolia. By improving education in ophthalmic surgery, this VR tool aims to significantly increase the number of skilled eye doctors in underrepresented regions, ultimately reducing preventable blindness rates.