VIRTUAL / AUGMENTED REALITY
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPHTHALMOLOGY LAUNCHES VR EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN COLLABORATION WITH FUNDAMENTALVR TO IMPROVE OPHTHALMIC CARE AROUND THE WORLD
The American Academy of Ophthalmology , in partnership with FundamentalVR , a global leader in immersive surgical training , announced the launch of the Academy ’ s VR Education programme , a groundbreaking initiative that harnesses the power of Virtual Reality ( VR ) to transform ophthalmic education and surgical training . Supported by a generous US $ 5 million grant from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation , the platform offers a free and open simulation platform for ophthalmologists and trainees around the world to expand their skill in diagnosing and treating eye diseases and conditions .
The first phase of the programme focuses on paediatric ophthalmology , specifically retinopathy of prematurity ( ROP ). Retinopathy of prematurity is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children globally , affecting up to 30 % of preterm infants in middleincome countries and between five and eight percent in the United States .
However , the opportunity for trainees to learn how to properly examine and treat babies with ROP is limited . Options are fewer outside of the United States , as many countries allow residents to perform only a limited number of procedures in children .
The VR simulator allows practitioners to diagnose and treat ROP , using techniques including indirect ophthalmoscopy , laser therapy and intravitreal injections , all within an immersive and lifelike virtual environment . The simulator offers both independent practice and multi-user guided instruction , offering comprehensive learning for trainees at all levels .
“ Our partnership with FundamentalVR has been a significant step forward for the Academy in its mission to ensure the delivery of the highestquality eye care for all ,” said Stephen D . McLeod , MD , CEO of the Academy . “ We can now offer increased access to specialised training for ophthalmologists across the globe . And thanks to the generous funding from the Knights , it will be available for free .”
The immersive training not only accelerates competency but also significantly reduces the potential for complications in infants with this potentially blinding condition . Using the platform , ophthalmologists can train from anywhere , while detailed analytics offer personalised feedback to help refine their skills , ensuring they are wellprepared for real-world procedures .
“ ROP is a complex and critical condition to manage , and this programme is a significant step forward in equipping ophthalmologists with the skills they need to help deliver better patient outcomes ,” said Richard Vincent , Co-founder and CEO of FundamentalVR . “ By utilising VR technology , we ’ re giving ophthalmologists the tools to learn and practice safely , accelerating their expertise and confidence while ultimately reducing complications in infants at risk of blindness .”
“ Case Western was lucky to be one of a few residency programmes to trial this simulation programme ,” said Douglas Rhee , MD , Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Case Western Reserve University . “ We were impressed by the quality of the virtual environment . Our trainees will definitely benefit from this unique opportunity to confront ROP diagnosis and management without risk to the child . These simulation technologies are vital in uncommon and rare cases .” �
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