) Collaborative Partnership Enabling Simulation Training for Young Ophthalmologists | Bausch + Lomb Surgical

Collaborative Partnership Enabling Simulation Training for Young Ophthalmologists

At Bausch + Lomb we are committed to the concept of Lifelong Learning, offering support, educational content and hands-on experience to those working in ophthalmology at every stage of their career.

In 2019, our subsidiary in the UK began working in partnership with the Hull Institute of Learning and Simulation (HILS) helping to expand their capabilities and to provide us with access to an excellent training facility from which we can demonstrate the functionality of our Stellaris® Vision Enhancement System and educate surgeons on getting the best from the platform.

We asked Mr Jim Innes, Consultant Ophthalmologist and designer of the ocular wetlab facilities at HILS, to tell us more about their aims and their plans for the future:

Our surgical wet lab was established at the Hull and East Yorkshire Eye Hospital over ten years ago. It has largely been sustained due to the amazing support from the Hull University Hospitals NHS Trust and the staff of the Eye Hospital. 

Approximately one year ago we were able to expand into new premises, part of the Hull Institute of Learning and Simulation (HILS), housed on the top floor of the Eye Hospital outpatients building.  This move has enabled an expansion of training facilities and the administrative and practical help of the HILS Director, Manager and staff. The new lab is well equipped thanks to generous donations (the new room is named in memory of Mr Stephen Foster)and support from Bausch + Lomb. 

We have expanded the facility to enable four fixed and six mobile workstations. Our ethos has always been to simulate the real thing as closely as possible, especially by teaching trainees to sit properly from the very beginning of their careers.  Proper working position is essential for health of the surgeon, but also has a direct effect on the success of the operation.  All practical skills involve the development of good habits and all ten HILS workstations allow for easy height adjustment of table, microscope and chair.

Thankfully, this new arrangement also means that we have been able to expand wet labs into adjacent rooms when necessary, especially important now that distancing and other COVID-19 safety measures are in place.  This has allowed us to run safe induction courses for new trainees and deliver safe surgery courses for trainees at all levels.

Plans are under way to expand the number of HILS developed wet lab workstations, to allow at least one to be placed in each training department in Yorkshire. This will allow trainee eye surgeons to practice surgery locally following attendance at courses in HILS.

We look forward to continuing to support HILS, and similar educational centres, in their vital work for years to come.

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