When do you learn LASIK?

[Chargers09]

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I never really see anyone talking about LASIK training. Is this something you learn in all ophtho residencies, or is it only certain programs, or is it just through fellowships? Thanks!

 

[backrow]

Only some programs will graduate residents who have been certified on one or more laser platforms.

 

[dantt]

Our program will "certify" on the laser in wetlab but true certification requires 5 patients.

 

[Slide]

All ophthalmology residents are at least required to learn about LASIK, how to perform it, and management of complications (it's in the BCSC and on OKAPS). To obtain certification, you typically need to attend a training course or a live training seminar, and then you need to perform LASIK on a certain number of patients (for us, it was 6 eyes). Not all residencies give LASIK certification - the biggest constraint typically is access to an excimer laser (like a VISX). Some academic programs don't have one and simply don't make it a priority. However, most cornea fellowships will train you for LASIK.

 

[LightBox]

All ophthalmology residents are at least required to learn about LASIK, how to perform it, and management of complications (it's in the BCSC and on OKAPS). To obtain certification, you typically need to attend a training course or a live training seminar, and then you need to perform LASIK on a certain number of patients (for us, it was 6 eyes). Not all residencies give LASIK certification - the biggest constraint typically is access to an excimer laser (like a VISX). Some academic programs don't have one and simply don't make it a priority. However, most cornea fellowships will train you for LASIK.

Sure, "most cornea fellowships will train you for LASIK", but unfortunately, the volume is really not that great across the board. Even 100 eyes isn't that great of a LASIK experience. Most academic attendings don't perform high volume LASIK, and when they do perform LASIK, these patients rarely want the fellow to do their cases. The best place to learn LASIK, imho, is at a high-volume LASIK private practice. Hopefully, the boss of that practice will mentor you and not see you as potential future competition.