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Microsurgical Skills Course Improves Cataract Surgery Proficiency in First Year Australia and New Zealand Ophthalmology Trainees

The latest Clinical and Ophthalmology (CEO) Journal features a RANZCO-facilitated study that has confirmed that the Microsurgical Skills Course is giving first-year trainees a valuable head start in their surgical journey.

By analysing logbook and simulator data, it was found that trainees who completed the course:

  • were more confident early on
  • performed more cataract surgeries in their first few months
  • required fewer takeovers from senior surgeons; and
  • experienced fewer early complications during their first year of training

These experiences are contributing to stronger patient safety across our training networks.

These results highlight the positive impact of RANZCO’s investment in structured early skills development and reinforce the College’s commitment to improving trainee support and patient outcomes. This peer-reviewed publication is a clear example of how RANZCO data is being used by Fellows and researchers to better understand the training experience and drive continuous improvements for future ophthalmologists.

Read the article via CEO.

Last updated: December 4, 2025