[Cataract surgery training in France: Analysis of the results of the European Board of Ophthalmology survey in the French cohort].

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to present and analyze the results of the French cohort in a European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) survey on cataract surgical training in Europe, highlighting the particularities of French training.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 23-question electronic questionnaire was sent to interns applying for the EBO examination from 2018 to 2022. Responses from French participants were specifically collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 122 responding French ophthalmologists, the mean age was 31.0±2.8 years with an equal distribution between men and women. The most frequent pre-patient training sessions were on virtual reality simulators (8.6±8.2 sessions). French respondents reported a higher average number of partial (124.1±94.8) and complete (96.4±93.1) surgeries, with increased confidence (0-10 scale) in performing simple (7.3±2.4) and complex (5.51±2.6) surgeries, as well as in managing posterior capsular ruptures (7.2±2.5) or performing corneal sutures (3.9±2.7).

DISCUSSION

Within the European landscape, French cataract surgery training is part of a model of "surgery for all", without gender disparity. Regional variations, however, mark the French landscape, in contrast to other European nations such as Spain and Germany. Standardization of pre-patient training sessions is proposed as a means of equalization.

CONCLUSION

To standardize cataract surgery training in Europe, it is advisable to establish recommendations and educational strategies, including the standardization of pre-patient training sessions to ensure validation of surgical skills.