Optimizing resident education in cataract surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Evaluate recent literature focusing on improving or assessing resident education in cataract surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Recently published studies outline methods of evaluating residents' performance, educational progress, and evaluating a surgical curriculum. Authors found that the rate of complications in resident-performed cataract surgery falls by 50% after the first 40 cases and stays the same for the next 20 cases. Preoperative risk factors for complications include mature cataract and abnormal zonular function. Left-handed residents had fewer complications compared with right-handed residents. Authors evaluated adherence by residents to the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Preferred Practice Patterns, and found that residents were lacking in eliciting patient's symptoms or function. A guide to establishing and maintaining a wet laboratory was published. Several studies evaluating the use of a physical-surgical simulator reported improvement in performance. The simulator was accepted and appreciated by residents. A cognitive simulation program was also found to be beneficial in improving fund of knowledge regarding cataract surgery. SUMMARY: Teaching cataract surgery remains a difficult task. Educators continue to focus on curriculum, assessment, and complications. Resources for education are improving with establishment of wet laboratories and development of surgical simulators.