Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery

The Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery is an advanced training program designed to equip ophthalmologists with specialized skills in the diagnosis, medical management, and surgical treatment of vitreoretinal diseases. The program aims to produce ethical, competent, and independent vitreoretinal surgeons capable of addressing complex retinal conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, macular diseases, and inherited retinal disorders, while preparing fellows to become leaders in the field.

Description

This (02) two-year fellowship, offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theoretical education, hands-on surgical training, clinical practice, and research. Training methods include didactic lectures, seminars, dry and wet labs, clinical rotations, extensive supervised surgical experience, and academic activities.

The program addresses the critical shortage of vitreoretinal surgeons in Central Africa, emphasizing advanced surgical techniques, innovative diagnostic tools, and patient-centered care. Fellows contribute to the field through research and clinical trials, ensuring they remain at the forefront of vitreoretinal advancements.

Training Objectives The primary objective of the Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery is to train fellows to become proficient vitreoretinal surgeons and leaders in retinal care. Specific goals include:

• Mastering advanced diagnostic imaging and surgical techniques for managing vitreoretinal disorders.
• Developing expertise in performing complex vitreoretinal surgeries, such as vitrectomy, retinal detachment repair, and macular surgeries.
• Enhancing skills in comprehensive clinical management, including medical therapies and postoperative care for retinal conditions.
• Contributing to the field through research, clinical trials, and academic presentations to advance vitreoretinal medicine.
• Addressing regional healthcare disparities by training surgeons capable of providing high-quality care in underserved areas.

Module Overview The program is structured into (05) five key modules, each focusing on a critical aspect of vitreoretinal surgery training: 1- Dry Lab

• Focus: Mastery of diagnostic imaging and retinal surgery techniques.
• Content: Fellows gain proficiency in advanced diagnostic tools, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green angiography (ICG), and wide-field retinal imaging. Training includes interpreting scans to diagnose conditions like diabetic macular edema, macular holes, and retinal vein occlusion. Fellows practice laser applications, intravitreal injections, and surgical planning in simulation settings.

2- Wet Lab

• Focus: Hands-on practice of vitreoretinal surgical techniques.
• Content: Fellows train in pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), macular hole surgery, retinal detachment repair, and epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling. Exercises cover vitreous base shaving, membrane peeling, retinal laser photocoagulation, and the use of tamponade agents like silicone oil. Training emphasizes handling delicate retinal tissues and managing complex surgical maneuvers.

3- Surgical Experience

• Focus: Supervised hands-on surgical training and independent practice.
• Content: Fellows assist and progressively perform vitreoretinal surgeries, including vitrectomies for retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, and retinal vein occlusions. Training includes advanced techniques like retinectomies and peripheral laser treatments, as well as managing complications such as retinal tears or postoperative infections. Fellows optimize outcomes using minimal-incision vitrectomy and comprehensive postoperative care.

4- Clinical Experience

• Focus: Diagnosis, medical management, and post-surgical care.
• Content: Fellows manage vitreoretinal diseases in outpatient clinics, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal dystrophies, and vascular conditions. They use diagnostic tools to monitor disease progression, administer intravitreal injections, and develop treatment plans. Training includes postoperative care, monitoring for complications like endophthalmitis, and long-term follow-up for optimal visual outcomes.

5- Research and Academic Development

• Focus: Contribution to the field of vitreoretinal surgery.
• Content: Fellows engage in research on surgical techniques, imaging technologies, drug delivery systems, or novel therapies, participating in clinical trials. They present findings at conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and attend journal clubs, case presentations, and didactic lectures to stay updated on vitreoretinal advancements.

Training Prerequisites To enroll in the Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be a licensed ophthalmologist or have completed an accredited ophthalmology residency program.
• Have basic knowledge of retinal diseases and surgical techniques.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in vitreoretinal surgery and commitment to serving underserved regions.
• Be committed to maintaining a logbook and participating in research and academic activities.
• Be proficient in English and / or French for effective communication and comprehension of training materials.

How to Apply To apply for the fellowship, candidates should:

1. Submit a completed application form, available on the website or through the training institution.
2. Provide a copy of their medical license, academic transcripts, and a resume detailing relevant clinical and surgical experience.
3. Include a letter of motivation outlining their interest in vitreoretinal surgery.
4. Send all application folders via email or the online application portal by the specified deadline.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to attend an interview or assessment to evaluate their suitability for the program. For further details or to apply, contact the training coordinator at the training institution or visit the website.