Seasoned veterans and novices offer pearls to YOs

One of the early highlights of the 37th Congress of the ESCRS was the day-long Young Ophthalmologists Programme, Starting Phaco. The Programme started with Paul Rosen MD, who spoke about preparing for the first operation, while Nino Hirnschall MD, PhD, advised attendees on what one needs to know in the field of biometry. Richard Packard MD, FRCS, FRCOphth, introduced ideas around OVD and viscoelastics, while Nic Reus MD, PhD, covered capsulorhexis and hydrodissection. Brendan Strong from the ESCRS introduced the Society’s iLearn platform, an online learning resource that’s free for members and offers more than 30 hours of interactive and accredited elearning content. Mor Dickman MD, PhD, spoke about the value of registries such as the ESCRS-sponsored EUREQUO. Larry Benjamin FRCS(Ed) FRCOphth DO, and Oliver Findl, MD, FEBO, spoke about different aspects of phacoemulsification, while Filomena Ribeiro MD, PhD, FEBO offered wisdom in inserting intraocular lenses. Dr Findl, Secretary of the ESCRS and Chairperson of the Young Ophthalmologists Committee, said that the environment of this session encouraged interaction and discussion. “A lot of questions arise. And I think these are questions which are relevant to everybody who learns cataract surgery.” He commended the bravery of young surgeons who show videos of procedures where they run into difficulty, be they normal or extraordinary cases. “Because we all essentially make the same mistakes. And we all run into these problems at some point. You get different tips from different panellists. And I think it’s very instructive, and probably the best way to learn in this kind of format,” he added. He encouraged everyone to visit the Main Symposium Surgeons Under Stress, taking place today in the Auditorium. “That’s especially relevant for young ophthalmologists, of course, but even experienced surgeons, under certain circumstances, will also be stressed.” The Symposium will feature advice from practised surgeons as well as practical tips from record-breaking freediver and motivational speaker Stig Severinsen, Denmark. “He will practice with us, some easy breathing tricks to actually take care of stress in a stressful situation. And I think that is going to be very, very valuable, especially for young ophthalmologists,” Dr Findl concluded. Surgeons Under Stress will take place at 11.00 in Auditorium

Tags: young ophthalmologists