Virtual reality simulation training on cataract surgery begins at BCPS

Professor Dr Mohammod Shahidullah, President of BCPS, speaks at the inaugural ceremony of the three-day Hospital-Based Training (HBT) on Virtual Reality Simulation at the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) in the capital on Sunday.

TAM DESK ||

A three-day training on virtual reality simulation for cataract surgery has begun at the Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons (BCPS) in the city.

Orbis International, in collaboration with BCPS, launched the Hospital-Based Training (HBT) on Virtual Reality Simulation at the institution’s Ophthalmology Skill Lab in Mohakhali on Sunday (Sept 14).

The training is being conducted by Vincent Berthon of Fundamental XR (FVRVS Limited), United Kingdom, a global leader in virtual reality–based surgical training, according to a press release.

The training has brought together a diverse group of eye care professionals, including ophthalmologists, residents, and faculty members from Bangladesh Eye Hospital, Chittagong Eye Infirmary and Training Complex (CEITC), and Isphahani Islamia Eye Hospital. The participants will train subsequent batches of eye health professionals across the country.

This training is expected to enhance cataract surgical skills and complication management capacity among Bangladeshi eye care professionals.

Professor Dr Mohammod Shahidullah, President of BCPS, while speaking at the inaugural ceremony, appreciated the initiative. He said the cutting-edge training would enable ophthalmologists, residents, and allied professionals to develop surgical competency in a safe environment, benefiting millions of patients in Bangladesh.

Dr Munir Ahmed, Country Director of Orbis International, in his speech, highlighted the long-term impact of simulation-based training. Referring to evidence, he noted that simulation significantly reduces surgical complications during the early stages of a surgeon’s career.

He added that this initiative represents a national-level effort to strengthen human resource capacity through apex institutions such as BCPS. “By introducing virtual reality training, we’re ensuring that Bangladesh’s ophthalmologists are better prepared to meet the growing demand for quality cataract care.”

Vincent Berthon said the FVR Simulation system enables trainees to practice cataract surgery techniques, complication management, and instrument handling using virtual eyes in a lifelike environment. The training on FVR Simulation system will equip eye care professionals with the skills and confidence needed before performing live surgeries, he added.

Dr Lutful Husain, Director of Orbis International, said the training would have a huge impact on the development of comprehensive cataract surgical training pathway in Bangladesh.

Prof Dr Ashraf Sayeed, Joint Secretary of Faculty of Ophthalmology and Coordinator of Ophthalmology Skill Lab, Professor (Brig Gen) Md Aminul Islam Sikder, Director Administration, and Prof Dr Jalal Ahmed, former chairman of Faculty of Ophthalmology at BCPS were, among others, present at the inaugural ceremony.

Simulation training, widely adopted in medical fields worldwide, allows professionals to practice complex procedures and manage rare complications without risk to patients. In ophthalmology, simulation has been shown to shorten the learning curve and improve surgical outcomes.

Orbis is an international nonprofit that builds strong and sustainable eye care systems globally, making treatment and prevention accessible. Orbis International donated the state-of-the-art simulation system to BCPS after first used in the Flying Eye Hospital Training Project in Chattogram in November 2024.

The FVR Simulation Machine at BCPS is the second of its kind in Bangladesh, following an earlier installation at CEITC. A third unit is scheduled to be installed at Isphahani Islamia Eye Hospital in Dhaka in the coming days.