GenEye 2025: Peak Surgical Training

The vision of GenEye, founded by ophthalmologist Dr Jacqueline Beltz, is to provide a high-value educational program that encourages participants to strive for excellence and high performance through holistic learning, training the mind and body. There are no didactic lectures at GenEye, as “the best learning does not happen in lecture theatres or on the stage”, Dr Beltz shared in her opening address. Instead, the focus of GenEye is experiential learning through interactive and practical workshops designed to foster peer-to-peer teaching and invaluable learning through conversation. As part of this, participants rotated together through stations in mixed groups with a range of experience in ophthalmology. Medical students, junior doctors, orthoptists and optometrists attended on day one, and ophthalmology registrars and experienced consultant ophthalmologists attended on days two and three.

The program at GenEye consists of structured workshops in the morning, followed by expo-style stations in the afternoon where participants can freely explore and discover the latest technology in ophthalmic surgery, and re-visit morning workshop stations.

This year, I was fortunate to attend all three days of the GenEye conference as a junior doctor, fully immersed as a participant on day one and on faculty for days two and three. Thank you to all who generously shared their experience at GENEYE with me, and guidance from the wonderful GenEye faculty members; Dr Jacqueline Beltz, Dr Danielle Buck, Dr Rahul Chakrabarti, Dr Jamie Chew, Dr Ben Cumming, Dr Colby Hart, Dr Rebecca Haward, Dr Jonathan Kam, Dr Lucy Kim, Dr Lewis Levitz, Dr Damien Ling, Dr Lukas Sahhar, Dr Louis Stevenson and Dr Stephenie Tiew.

Surgical Skills Training

Participants on day one gained experience with basic surgical skills, rotating through hands-on morning workshop stations, and for many, using the operating microscope and leading-edge simulation technology for the first time. The intention of the stations was to introduce participants to the general steps of cataract surgery, the operating microscope and microsurgery. With varying experience in ophthalmic surgery, keen medical students, junior doctors, orthoptists and optometrists navigated the foot pedal controls of the operating microscope, honed their micro-suturing skills using 6-0 then 10-0 nylon on practice suture pads, and successfully implanted intraocular lenses into Simuleye model eyes, guided by experienced ophthalmologists of the GenEye faculty.

In the adjacent simulated operating theatre, excitement was palpable as each participant peered into the EyeSi surgical simulator to view a realistic 3D representation of an eye, as seen by eye surgeons during surgery. Using physical ports of the simulator, a deep appreciation for the fine dexterity required was garnered through practice of intraocular navigation and manipulation of different instruments through small ports to trace spirals on the lens capsule and touch spheres in the anterior chamber. Large warnings in red text were an unwelcome jump-scare that proved to be difficult to avoid as everyone tried hard to protect the corneal endothelium and zonules from ‘unnecessary stress’ and ‘damage’. However, despite this, many participants then progressed on to performing their first capsulorhexis with much encouragement and cheers from peers observing on the screen.

On days two and three, small groups of ophthalmology registrars and consultant ophthalmologists performed more advanced surgical skills related to the theme of ‘zonular weakness’, including simulated cataract surgery with zonular dehiscence and anterior vitrectomy using the EyeSi simulator. In the surgical skills wet lab, participants discussed the management of zonular dialysis using capsular tension rings and Ahmed segments. This was followed by the opportunity to practise insertion of both devices in the state-of-the-art wet lab. The complexity of using 5-0 prolene sutures to secure an Ahmed segment to sclera using a belt-loop technique was appreciated by all participants, an invaluable opportunity to experience the steps of such a complex technique.

In the afternoon, participants were able to freely re-visit the simulated operating theatre and wet lab to continue practicing surgical skills and challenge themselves with more advanced techniques. The value of peer-to-peer teaching was truly highlighted throughout all three days, with tips shared between fellow participants challenged with handling delicate 10-0 sutures for the first time, troubleshooting advice from ophthalmology registrars who are experts with the EyeSi simulator, some having commenced surgical training in the very same simulation room, and irreplaceable real-life experience from consultant ophthalmologists.

Expo-style sessions were available for participants to explore each afternoon, including further simulation opportunities with the Fidelis VR Ophthalmic Surgical Simulator and Ngenuity 3D Visualisation System from Alcon, and an exciting first-look at Alcon’s new Unity 4D Vitreoretinal Cataract System (VCS) and Unity Cataract System.

Furthermore, participants were able to gain insight into the patient experience during the afternoon forum provided by Dr Lewis Levitz, a consultant ophthalmologist, who guided discussion regarding intraocular lens selection and presbyopia correction at the time of cataract surgery.

Reflective Practice And Learning In The Modern Era

In the simulated clinic, participants were faced with difficult patient conversations in keeping with the theme of ‘zonular weakness’. Volunteering participants were briefed with the patient case, and conducted pre-operative counselling for cataract surgery, followed by a post-operative review, that included explaining an intra-operative complication and the ongoing management plan. The communication skills station was brought to life by professional simulated patient actors, primed to react depending on the course of the conversation, providing invaluable insight into the patient experience.

There were equal learning opportunities for both the participant sitting in the ‘hot seat’ as the doctor, and their fellow group members as the observing audience, through ‘time outs’ where the scenario was paused, with a chance for all participants to take part in discussion. In line with the focus of GENEYE, to provide a positive learning experience and safe forum for reflective practice, participants reported this station to be a valuable opportunity to receive real-time feedback from patient actors, out of role, on their communication style, then immediately employ strategies through ‘rewinding’ the conversation and resuming the unscripted doctor-patient interaction.

Also, ‘listening’ into each consultation was ‘i-scribe’, a leading AI-powered medical scribe developed in Australia. Dr Jamie Chew, co-founder and GenEye faculty member, was present to demonstrate and provide further insights. Participants watched on with awe as the clinic conversation was transcribed by i-scribe with great accuracy, despite multiple different voices, overlapping at times. At the conclusion of the consultation, patient notes and information letters in simple language were generated in the blink of an eye, with the potential to be translated into another language if required.

Regarding communication skills training, participants had the opportunity to peruse their language use and certain quirks were identified, some of which were missed during the conversation. In one session, i-scribe continued to listen into feedback and ensuing discussion – the generated communication skills rubric with advice specific to the previous conversation was a hidden potential unlocked! Already in use in private practice, the capacity of i-scribe to revolutionise efficiency of documentation and patient care has no bounds.

Caring For Body And Mind

“We care for ourselves first, so that we can serve our patients better”.

Striving to continually improve and aiming for excellence, GenEye recognises that training the mind and body is equally important as skills training. Away from the buzz and chatter of the main conference and expo area, the Mind Lab provided participants with a quiet area for reflection. Sitting on cozy beanbags and surrounded by calm scented candles and potted plants, Dr Jo Mitchell, clinical and coaching psychologist and founder of The Mind Room in Collingwood, guided participants through meditation and mindfulness; being present in the moment.

In an activity where anonymous self-critical thoughts were read aloud, participants confronted their ‘inner critic’. This served as a poignant reminder of common humanity and the importance of self-compassion. It also provided strategies to manage stress and challenge for all participants aspiring to perform at a high level  whether at the start of the journey in healthcare or many years into their career. Concluding the session with positivity, participants added to the wall of kindness, with many coming back to seek inspiration from other acts of joy presented on colourful post-it notes.

Sessions in the morning required keen focus as we sat at the operating microscope. After the structured morning workshops, participants welcomed the chance for physical activity, showing off their dance moves during Disco Physio, with a groovy disco ball as the backdrop, and spreading the energy throughout the education precinct. Continuing the focus on a healthy body, experts in the field – physiotherapists Lisa Harman and David Hall – guided participants through yoga and provided individualised recommendations for best ergonomics to prevent workplace-related injuries.

At the conclusion of each day, when attendees gathered to debrief, one thought was echoed throughout the room: GenEye is a truly unique and invaluable conference experience. As Dr Beltz shared, experiential and peer-to-peer learning “takes more effort to organise and participate in”, however improving through collaboration provides much greater utility, value, (and fun!) as I have experienced first-hand.

GenEye will next take place in mid-2026. Please follow geneye.org.au for further updates and information.

Dr Grace Nguyen is a junior doctor currently working at Monash Health, Victoria. 

Photo supplied by Corp Comm.