HelpMeSee announced its latest training partnerships with the University of Southern California (USC)/LA General Medical Center in Los Angeles, and the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) in Chicago. These collaborations establish two new simulation-based surgical training locations to advance ophthalmic education while also addressing the global cataract blindness crisis, the organization said in a press release.
These newly launched training sites are designed to provide residents from USC and UIC — along with ophthalmology residents and surgeons from nearby programs — access to the HelpMeSee Simulation-based Eye Surgery Training Program. Featuring high-fidelity virtual reality technology with haptic feedback, these courses offer a realistic, risk-free environment for developing the critical skills needed to perform Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS), Phacoemulsification and other essential surgical techniques, the organization said.
Dr. Bonnie An Henderson, CEO of HelpMeSee, emphasized the impact of these partnerships, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with two exceptional institutions — USC and UIC — in our mission to eradicate cataract blindness worldwide. By integrating HelpMeSee simulation-based training courses into their residency programs, we are empowering the next generation of ophthalmologists to refine their surgical skills safely, effectively, and efficiently. These partnerships will further expand access to high-quality surgical training and ultimately improve patient outcomes.”
Dr. Brian Song, Residency Program Director of Ophthalmology at USC, shared his enthusiasm for the program: “Simulation-based training is a groundbreaking approach to ophthalmic education. The HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator provides our residents with a safe, repeatable, and realistic environment to master transferrable cataract surgery skills. By incorporating this technology into our program, we are enhancing surgical proficiency and confidence before entering the operating room.”
Dr. Peter MacIntosh, Ophthalmology Residency Program Director at UIC, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “The HelpMeSee Simulation-based Training Program represents an incredible advancement in surgical education. Haptic feedback combined with instructor-led guidance ensures that our residents develop the hand-foot-eye coordination and problem-solving abilities required to tackle even the most challenging cataract cases.”
Both training centers will feature fully certified HelpMeSee instructors who provide real-time feedback and personalized guidance. Residents and ophthalmologists in the region can now access training on demand, ensuring they gain the hands-on experience and confidence needed to excel in cataract surgery and related procedures, the organization said.
For more information or to schedule a training session, please contact a training expert at 1-844-435-7637, email training@helpmesee.org or visit helpmesee.org