Global trends and practice patterns in virtual reality simulation training for ophthalmic surgery: an international survey use of virtual reality simulation training around the world

This global survey investigated the use of virtual reality simulation (VRS) in ophthalmological surgery education. Questionnaires were distributed to authors of publications and directors of centers using VRS for surgical education in ophthalmology, then forwarded to residents and fellows of their team for completion. Out of 1845 questionnaires sent across 36 countries, 170 responses from 26 countries were analyzed, primarily from residents and fellows (75%). Mean access duration to VRS was 3.6 years, often at University Hospitals (43.5%). Notably, 12% of respondents traveled an average of 550 km to access VRS. The EyeSi VR Magic was the most frequently reported simulator (80%, mainly in Europe/North America), followed by HelpMeSee (48%, primarily in Europe/India/Madagascar). In 25 training centers across 12 countries, VRS was a mandatory prerequisite for patient access, functioning as a "surgical license". A larger number of training centers (49 from 19 countries) favored such mandatory training. Junior surgeons perceived a greater impact of VRS on their surgical practice compared to senior surgeons (p = 0.032). The study concludes that while VRS holds a significant role in postgraduate ophthalmic surgical training, its access is unequal worldwide. Broader implementation and standardized practices could improve and maintain high educational standards in this field.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Reports
Published
2025-08-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-16227-7
Citations
2
Primary Topic
Surgical Simulation and Training
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
4.01
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Global trends and practice patterns in virtual reality simulation training for ophthalmic surgery: an international survey use of virtual reality simulation training around the world

Anne Lejay, Van Charles Lansingh, David Gaucher, Gauthier Dechriste et al.
2 citations
Scientific Reports
Surgical Simulation and Training
4.01
article

Global trends and practice patterns in virtual reality simulation training for ophthalmic surgery: an international survey use of virtual reality simulation training around the world

Anne Lejay, Van Charles Lansingh, David Gaucher, Gauthier Dechriste, Léa Dormegny, Helena Prior Filipe, Nabil Chakfé, Chetan Ahiwalay, Pamela K. Gonzalez, Salomé Kuntz, Tristan Bourcier, Lauriana Solecki, Emilia Koestel, H. Burkhard Dick, Marion Schaeffer, Arnaud Sauer, Elias Flockerzi, Jean‐Louis Bourges, Sorcha Ní Dhubhghaill, Guillermo Rocha, Rémi Yaïci, Berthold Seitz, Ann Sofia Skou Thomsen, Jean-Marie André, Antoine Rousseau, Ashish Bacchav, Bonnie An Henderson, Rindra Rafanomezantsoa
article en
2 citations

Abstract

This global survey investigated the use of virtual reality simulation (VRS) in ophthalmological surgery education. Questionnaires were distributed to authors of publications and directors of centers using VRS for surgical education in ophthalmology, then forwarded to residents and fellows of their team for completion. Out of 1845 questionnaires sent across 36 countries, 170 responses from 26 countries were analyzed, primarily from residents and fellows (75%). Mean access duration to VRS was 3.6 years, often at University Hospitals (43.5%). Notably, 12% of respondents traveled an average of 550 km to access VRS. The EyeSi VR Magic was the most frequently reported simulator (80%, mainly in Europe/North America), followed by HelpMeSee (48%, primarily in Europe/India/Madagascar). In 25 training centers across 12 countries, VRS was a mandatory prerequisite for patient access, functioning as a "surgical license". A larger number of training centers (49 from 19 countries) favored such mandatory training. Junior surgeons perceived a greater impact of VRS on their surgical practice compared to senior surgeons (p = 0.032). The study concludes that while VRS holds a significant role in postgraduate ophthalmic surgical training, its access is unequal worldwide. Broader implementation and standardized practices could improve and maintain high educational standards in this field.

Scientific ReportsVol. 15(1)
Délégation Paris 5 (FR), Tufts University (US), University of Copenhagen (DK), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (BE), University of Antananarivo (MG), University of Miami (US), Inserm (FR), Université Paris Cité (FR), University Hospitals of the Ruhr-University of Bochum (DE), Aravind Eye Hospital (IN), Jersey City Medical Center (US), Rigshospitalet (DK), Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmología IAP (MX), Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (FR), Hôpital Cochin (FR), Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (FR), Copenhagen Academy for Medical Education and Simulation (DK), Hospital de Egas Moniz (PT), Association Vahatra (MG), Bochum University of Applied Sciences (DE), Bicêtre Hospital (FR), Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg (FR), McGill University (CA), Université de Strasbourg (FR), National Patient Safety Foundation (US), New Jersey City University (US), Saarland University (DE)
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Surgical Simulation and Training
4.01
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.