AAO launches VR education program in collaboration with FundamentalVR to improve worldwide ophthalmic care

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In a press release today, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) announced that in partnership with FundamentalVR, a global leader in immersive surgical training, they are launching the Academy’s VR Education program, described as “a groundbreaking initiative that harnesses the power of virtual reality (VR) to transform ophthalmic education and surgical training.”

This initiative, which is supported by a $5 million grant from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, “offers a free and open simulation platform for ophthalmologists and trainees around the world to expand their skill in diagnosing and treating eye diseases and conditions,” according to the press release.

Stephen D. McLeod, MD, CEO of AAO, said, “Our partnership with FundamentalVR has been a significant step forward for the Academy in its mission to ensure the delivery of the highest quality eye care for all. We can now offer increased access to specialized training for ophthalmologists across the globe. And thanks to the generous funding from the Knights, it will be available for free.”

Focus on ROP

Pediatric ophthalmology, specifically retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), is the first focus of the new program. ROP, the leading cause of preventable blindness in children globally, affects up to 30% of preterm infants in middle-income countries and from 5% to 8% in the US.

Despite these statistics, there is limited opportunity for trainees to learn how to properly examine and treat babies with ROP. The AAO notes that “Options are fewer outside of the United States, as many countries allow residents to perform only a limited number of procedures in children.”

With the availability of training on the VR simulator, practitioners will be able to diagnose and treat ROP using techniques that include indirect ophthalmoscopy, laser therapy, and intravitreal injections. The simulator offers independent practice and multi-user guided instruction, and offers comprehensive learning for trainees at all levels.

This training will both accelerate competency and significantly reduce the potential for complications in infants with ROP. Using the VR simulators, ophthalmologists can train anywhere and receive personalized feedback to refine their skills.

Richard Vincent, Co-Founder and CEO of FundamentalVR, commented, “ROP is a complex and critical condition to manage, and this program is a significant step forward in equipping ophthalmologists with the skills they need to help deliver better patient outcomes. By using VR technology, we’re giving ophthalmologists the tools to learn and practice safely, accelerating their expertise and confidence while ultimately reducing complications in infants at risk of blindness.”

Douglas Rhee, MD, professor and chair of the department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, said, “Case Western was lucky to be one of a few residency programs to trial this simulation program. We were impressed by the quality of the virtual environment. Our trainees will definitely benefit from this unique opportunity to confront ROP diagnosis and management without risk to the child. These simulation technologies are vital in uncommon and rare cases.”

After the launch of the ROP simulator, the AAO VR Education program will expand to include modules on other key areas of pediatric ophthalmology. For those without no access to a VR headset, a desktop version of the ROP simulator will be available later this year.