Ophthalmologists

Our Volunteer Eye Surgeons

Affiliate with SEE

Before You Go

Forms and Downloads

Expedition Calendar

What Ophthalmologists Are Saying

Training and Education

Philanthropic Leadership Ambassador Program

Training and Education

Since 2006, SEE International has been offering its affiliates an opportunity to improve their skills in the manual methods of cataract removal by organizing a Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) training course and wet lab at its headquarters in Santa Barbara, California. Taught by experienced faculty, the course is specifically designed for the practicing ophthalmologists who plan on using the technique on one of our expeditions.

MSICS is considered to be an optimal method for cataract extraction in the expedition setting. The acute cataract cases that our ophthalmologists face in developing countries are not practically answered by modern methods, which rely on sophisticated, expensive and difficult-to-transport equipment rarely available at our clinics. And, compared to other manual procedures, MSICS allows for faster patient turnover, reduced potential for complications and better visual results.

SEE International also offers MSICS training opportunities for our affiliates who are interested in learning the technique directly in the mission setting and apply it by performing actual surgeries under faculty supervision. Through our cooperation with Vision Outreach International, SEE International Affiliates can sign up for such programs around the world. Or, they can explore similar opportunities offered in India by Dr. Madhavi Ghanta, the author of our training modules.

SEE International Affiliates actively promote MSICS by performing surgeries and by encouraging educational exchange abroad. In 2009, SEE International, Direct Relief International, Johnson and Johnson and FUDEM partnered to provide an intensive training course in San Salvador, El Salvador, where nine local ophthalmologists had the opportunity to learn MSICS in order to apply it on our future sight-restoring campaigns.