title: Structured extracapsular cataract extraction-intraocular lens microsurgical training: report of a trainee's experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim was to report the experience an ophthalmologist gained in a structured intraocular lens (IOL) microsurgery training program for the information and benefit of colleagues in ophthalmology training institutions.
  
  
  METHODS
  An ophthalmologist was trained in extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE)-IOL implant in Aravind Eye Hospital (AEH), Madurai, for a period of 8 weeks. Details of patients operated on, procedures observed, and conferences attended were prospectively recorded in a log book.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Training was available in conventional ECCE with posterior chamber IOL (ECCE-PCIOL), small incision sutureless cataract surgery, and phacoemulsification. During the period, this trainee observed a total of 1527 cataract extractions, administered 528 retrobulbar and 1047 facial blocks, and also operated on 75 patients. The trainee gained experience and confidence to perform high-quality, low-cost cataract surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hands-on experience and competence in quality ECCE-IOL implant microsurgery can be acquired in a short period of time in a high-volume cataract center. Trainees can also be exposed to other techniques of cataract surgery. Ophthalmology training centers with diminishing surgical training opportunities can also benefit from this structured training in a high-volume cataract center like Aravind Eye Hospital.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. aaghaji@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Aghaji
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Natchiar
mesh_terms: D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000193:education*; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity