Young cataract surgeons need to prepare for higher case volume
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With the number of cataract surgeries expected to increase in the coming years, young ophthalmologists need to take steps to prepare themselves for higher surgical volume, according to a presentation at Real World Ophthalmology.
David Felsted, DO, shared pointers for jumping into a high-volume situation.
“In 2030, we predict about 6 million procedures for an average annual volume of just more than 600 per year, with a slightly less amount of cataract surgeons,” Felsted said. “I performed about 1,000 my first year, and you probably will too if you’re similar to my situation.”
Felsted provided a checklist for young ophthalmologists who want to handle as much as 100 cases per month.
- Plan to have complications in the first 6 months.
- Learn to be efficient and look at each step carefully.
- Learn by watching surgical videos.
- Have a preoperative notation system.
- Focus on standardization, remove variables and adjust ergonomics for each case.
- Understand and become proficient in different strategies to attack the nucleus.
- Stick to monofocal IOLs and master the technique before moving on to premium lenses.
- Memorize the steps for anterior vitrectomy or write them down.
“I started with six cases on my first day and never thought I’d get to 25 in a day, and well, here I am,” Felsted said. “Every case makes you better.”
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Felsted D. How to become a high-volume cataract surgeon in 6 months. Presented at: Real World Ophthalmology; April 2, 2022 (virtual meeting).
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