Enhancing resident education through active participation in vitreoretinal surgery

Vitreoretinal surgical experience among ophthalmology residents in the U.S. is often limited due to traditional training models that favor observation rather than active participation, especially in programs that have their own retina fellows. This restricts hands-on skill development and surgical confidence. A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem from April 15, 2024, to March 30, 2025. Eight residents participated in 30 retinal surgeries under direct faculty supervision. A structured questionnaire assessed surgical steps performed, perceived skill improvement, mentorship experience, and barriers to surgical training. All residents reported moderate to significant improvement in surgical skills and understanding of retinal pathoanatomy. Participation in key surgical steps increased substantially during the rotation. Surgical mentorship was universally rated as excellent. Cited barriers to participation in retinal surgery included clinical responsibility and the presence of fellows at other sites. All residents affirmed the educational value of preoperative fundus drawings and active surgical involvement. Direct, hands-on participation in retinal surgeries significantly enhances ophthalmology resident training. Structured mentorship, preoperative planning, and active engagement in surgery may serve as a replicable model to improve vitreoretinal surgical education nationally.