Surgical skills training courses are hands-on wetlab courses utilising high-communication wetlab technology as well as the SFVT eye model with
red reflex and changeable intraocular pressures.These classes offer participants the opportunity to practice surgical techniques on porcine eyes.
The classes are small and utilise 2-way audio and video as teaching tools.

NB: PLACES ON SURGICAL SKILLS TRAINING COURSES ARE LIMITED AND DELEGATES ARE ADVISED TO PRE-BOOK.

Basic Phacoemulsification
This course, which follows the four hour didactic course, will provide practical experience in removing a cataractous lens from porcine eyes. Hands-on experience in phacoemulsification, incision/CCC and lens insertion will be provided.
This course will have one participant at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No. 2 and No.12 (This is a four hour course consisting of two instructional courses, each of two hours duration)

Bimanual Micro-Incision Phaco
This course will familiarise the participants with new techniques of micro-incision surgery with IOLs implanted through incisions of less than 2 mm.The wetlab will include practice on new ‘cool’ phaco equipment.
This course will have one participant at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No.1

Phaco: Management of Complications
This course includes practice on porcine eyes of the various techniques discussed in the didactic course, including management of white cataract with Tryphan Blue and insertion of intracapsular rings. Also included are the various advanced phaco techniques such as vertical chop, phaco slice, stop and chop and hemi-flip.
This course will have one participant at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No. 60

Ferrara Rings, Kerarings and Intacs
These courses look at the different types of intracorneal rings, the indications for use, particularly keratoconus, and the different techniques for implantation. The latest nomograms will be presented and discussed.
These courses will have two participants at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No. 10

LASIK (Laser In Situ Keratomileusis)
This course will familiarise ophthalmologists with the assembly and use of various microkeratomes used to create a corneal flap, with special attention to surgical techniques and management of complications. A variety of microkeratomes and excimer lasers will be available for use by the participants. Each participant will have the opportunity to create corneal flaps and perform excimer laser ablations on
porcine eyes.
This course will have two participants at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No. 18 or No. 31

Posterior Capsulorhexis “Bag In The Lens”
This course will allow participants to become proficient in posterior capsulorhexis as a useful technique in the management of posterior capsule tears. Participants will also have the opportunity to practice the dual technique of same size anterior and posterior capsulorhexis necessary for the implantation of the “bag in the lens” capsular supported IOL.
This course will have two participants at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No. 50

Phakic IOLs
These courses will allow the participants the opportunity to handle different phakic IOLs and practise several implantation techniques. Phakic IOLs presented include ICL, PRL, Artiflex and VeriFlex.
These courses will have one participant at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No. 55

Non-Penetrating Glaucoma Surgery with Implants
This course will allow the participants to practice the implantation of various
glaucoma implants in porcine eyes.
This course will have one participant at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No. 37

PRK, LASEK & Epi-LASIK
This course will enable the participants to practise various techniques for handling and removing the corneal epithelium. With the aid of porcine eyes, individual instruction will be given in the use of blade, brush and alcohol, as these tools are applied in PRK to abrade the epithelium prior to excimer treatment. The management of the epithelial flap, which is created in the LASEK procedure, will also be elucidated.The newest refractive procedure, Epi-LASIK, in which a flap is prepared by separating the epithelium from Bowman’s membrane with a special keratome, will also be demonstrated, using different manufacturers’ units.Various excimer lasers will
be available for practising surface ablation on the abraded or flap-fashioned porcine eyes.
This course will have two participants at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No.11

Viscocanalostomy (Glaucoma)
This course demonstrates the surgical skills required to perform Viscocanalostomy. The technique consists of superficial and deep lamellar scleral flaps and the deroofing of Schlemm’s Canal to expose the trabecular meshwork and create a Descemet’s Window. Schlemm’s Canal is then dilated using high molecular weight viscoelastic.
This course will have one participant at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No. 40

Glaucoma Canaloplasty (Enhanced Viscocanalostomy)
During Viscocanalostomy a 200 micron diameter catheter is inserted 360 degrees through Schlemm’s Canal. High viscosity sodium hyaluronate is used to dilate the canal. During the withdrawal of the microcatheter a suture, or tensioning device, is placed within the canal. (Applicants for this course should have surgical experience of Viscocanalostomy or Deep Sclerectomy, on a regular basis.)
This course will have one participant at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No. 40

AlphaCor Implantation
Participants will review videos for standard and variant implantation techniques and adjunctive procedures and will carry out AlphaCor implantation in porcine eyes.
This course will have two participants at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No. 3

Keratoplasty – Penetrating and Anterior Lamellar Techniques
This course will enable the participants to practise various techniques with the use of microkeratomes and/or trephine for the preparation of the donor tissue in both penetrating and anterior lamellar keratoplasty. Suturing techniques will also be covered.
This course will have one participant at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No. 38

Keratoplasty – Posterior Lamellar Techniques
This course will enable the participant to practise various techniques for posterior lamellar keratoplasty such as trephination and suturing.
This course will have one participant at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: Instructional Course No. 38

Basic Suturing Techniques
This course will teach basic suturing techniques for ophthalmic surgery. Participants will have the opportunity to learn suturing techniques both with and without an operating microscope.
This course will have one participant at each station

PRE-REQUISITE: There is no pre-requisite instructional course for this wetlab.