ESCRS Update: Moving Simulator Project and Masterclass

The May issue of EuroTimes reported on a project by the ESCRS Education Committee to purchase one or more Eyesi simulators from Haag-Streit and move them from country to country in Europe (“Moving Simulators to Increase Access to Skills Training,” page 6). The project goal is to provide training for young ophthalmologists who otherwise might not have the opportunity to train on a simulator.

“Through this project, ESCRS will intensify its role in providing hands-on skills training, which is of utmost importance to young surgeons,” said ESCRS President Oliver Findl. “This will allow them to undergo a larger part of the curriculum on the simulator, which is not possible at our Annual Congress due to the restricted time frame.”

A simulator was purchased in May and has been delivered to Romania. The 2023 schedule for the simulator is as follows:

• Romania: 6 June – 22 July
• Ukraine: 2 August – 2 September
• Austria: 7 September – 24 October

During its initial stay in Austria, the simulator will be at the ESCRS Annual Congress in Vienna. The simulator will then move to the Association of Austrian Ophthalmologists headquarters, which is also in Vienna.

More than 100 Apply for Masterclasses

More than 100 ophthalmologists applied for acceptance to masterclasses offered by ESCRS in microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and complex cataract cases. The masterclasses - described in the April issue of EuroTimes (“Masterclasses Aim to Replace Anxiety with Proficiency,” page 6) - will include the following components:

• Each participant will be assigned a mentor who will answer questions and provide advice throughout the programme. Participants will be part of a small WhatsApp group with direct access to their mentor.
• Each masterclass will comprise four topic-focused online modules (for example, a module about subconjunctival and suprachoroidal implants will be included in the MIGS masterclass).
• Four interactive webinars with all faculty members and WhatsApp groups will be presented in each masterclass to summarise each module in turn and answer any questions.
• An in-person, half-day Grand Rounds Case Review will be conducted at the ESCRS Annual Congress, as will in-person, half-day wet/dry labs.

Each participant who completes all components and passes the exam will obtain a certificate of completion and receive a financial credit to apply to future ESCRS registration and membership fees.

The complex cataract masterclass is being led by Richard Packard, with Michael Amon, Roberto Bellucci, David Lockington, Sorcha Ní Dhubhghaill, and Ana Prinz serving as mentors. Ziad Khoueir is leading the MIGS masterclass; Leon Au, Henny Beckers, Syril Dorairaj, Karsten Klabe, Verena Prokosch, and Andrew Tatham are the mentors.