Abstract
Purpose :
Incorporation of the rapid advances in ophthalmologic surgical and diagnostic techniques inherent in the field poses a challenge to residency training programs. This study investigates exposure to new technologies during residency and perception of its impact on practice patterns.
Methods :
Ophthalmology residents at various training levels and practicing ophthalmologists who had completed their training were invited to participate in a survey study assessing exposure to various technologies in residency and in practice. Data collection occurred from December 2022 to June 2023. Descriptive statistics were performed.
Results :
The study received 132 unique responses, including 63 ophthalmology residents and 69 practicing ophthalmologists. 56.5% (n = 39) of practicing ophthalmologists and 55.6% (n = 35) of current residents reported diversity of brands and manufacturers available for product selection was “minimally discussed but not emphasized” or “not discussed at all” in residency. 65.2% (n = 45) of practicing ophthalmologists and 47.6% (n = 30) of current residents reported discussion/training on newly developed products on the market (e.g. premium IOLS, MIGS), was “minimally discussed but not emphasized” or “not discussed at all” in residency. Only 4.8% (n = 3) of residents reported prioritized discussion/training on diversity of brands and manufacturers available for product selection and 6.3% (n = 4) on newly developed products on the market (premium IOLS, MIGs, etc). However, 55.1% (n = 38) of practicing ophthalmologists reported that exposure to new technologies during residency did influence types of technologies employed during practice. Overall, the vast majority resident physicians reported enjoying being trained on newer technology and feeling more prepared for future changes in the field (95.2%, n = 60), felt that having industry partnerships in residency enhances education and training (90.5%, n = 57), reported being more likely to seek out employment opportunities that value advanced technology because of exposure during residency (81%, n = 51).
Conclusions :
Considering how to maximize exposure to newer technologies/devices during residency training is important, and may contribute to training more confident, adaptable surgeons, who are more likely to critically consider new technologies and adopt promising ones into their future clinical practice.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.