The Making of the Future Format to Share Knowledge and Skills in Ophthalmology Retina Congress

Last week, at the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) Congress in the USA, we witnessed a groundbreaking event that highlighted the true essence of collaboration for the future of our profession. The event brought together leading names in the industry and academia, including Oculus, Oftalmouniversity, Bioniko, Alcon, and Microrec, to explore the power of synergy and connection in advancing knowledge and skills in ophthalmology.

The focus of the event was to harness the potential of active learning and high-fidelity simulation, facilitating seamless knowledge transfer among our colleagues. Through this immersive experience, we aimed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that every participant gained valuable insights into the latest techniques and innovations in the field.

?? The Power of Synergy and Connection:

The event emphasized the significance of collaboration between academia and industry. Oftalmouniversity, alongside retina mentors and experts, joined forces with industry giants like Oculus, Bioniko models, Alcon, and Custom Surgical to create an environment where innovation and expertise could flourish. The seamless exchange of ideas between these diverse stakeholders showcased the potential of true collaboration for the future of our profession.

?? Active Learning and High Fidelity Simulation:

At the heart of the event was the incorporation of active learning and high-fidelity simulation techniques. Participants were engaged in hands-on demonstrations of complex surgical procedures, facilitated by experts like Maria Berrocal, Marcelo Zas, Leja Vajzovic, Asheesh Tewari, and Papakostas. Through these interactive sessions, attendees gained firsthand experience and honed their skills under expert guidance. This approach exemplified how active learning can accelerate the learning curve and enhance surgical proficiency.

?? The Power of Networking:

The event's networking space served as a platform for fruitful interactions between experts and their colleagues. Attendees witnessed live demonstrations of surgical tasks, sought explanations, and even attempted the procedures themselves. This unique networking opportunity fostered a sense of camaraderie and provided an invaluable platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences.

?? Deliberate Practice: The Key to Excellence

The event exemplified the concept of deliberate practice, where participants were guided through the tasks, received constructive feedback from experts, and were encouraged to repeat the procedures to enhance their proficiency. This iterative process of learning has proven to be one of the most effective ways to refine surgical skills and achieve excellence in the field of ophthalmology.

?? Expert Contributors:

The event featured a stellar lineup of experts who shared their expertise and experiences, inspiring participants to elevate their skills to new heights:

• Maria Berrocal: Demonstrated a magnificent surgery in a giant retinal detachment and shared the secrets to achieving excellence in vitrectomy.
• Marcelo Zas: Deconstructed the complexities of retinal detachment using different visualization systems, making the task more accessible through fundamental understanding.
• Leja Vajzovic: Exhibited her expertise in subretinal injection, providing valuable insights into this complex technique in an educational manner.
• Asheesh Tewari: Impressed with a flawless ILM peeling and retinal detachment, exemplifying the importance of precision in surgery.
• Thanks to Papakostas: Simplified the Yamane technique, instilling confidence in many surgeons to adopt it in their practice.
• Audina Berrocal: Shared her expertise in subretinal injections and conducted an educational vitrectomy surgery, emphasizing safety and accuracy.

?? Conclusions:

The event marked the first step towards the future of medical meetings, emphasizing the need for all participants to upskill and improve their communication to make the most of such collaborative platforms. The significance of mastering fundamentals and visualization was underscored, as these skills play a pivotal role in transforming retina surgeons into experts.

In conclusion, the ASRS Congress was a resounding success, leaving us inspired and motivated to embrace collaboration, active learning, and deliberate practice as we forge ahead into the future of ophthalmology. Let us continue to build a united and progressive community, where knowledge and skills are freely shared for the greater advancement of our profession.

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