Introduction
Nepal’s eye care system is well known worldwide for its strong community programs and affordable, high-quality cataract surgeries. However, the country faces a shortage of specialists and unequal distribution of services, with only about 400–500 ophthalmologists. The demand for cataract surgery is increasing faster than the available surgeons. In addition, as ophthalmology has expanded into different subspecialties, many doctors are choosing specialized fields, which means fewer surgeons are mainly focused on cataract surgery.
Newly trained ophthalmologists also often have limited opportunities to perform sufficient supervised cataract surgeries during their early careers, making it challenging to develop confidence and surgical competency traditional training models. Limited supervised operating time, patient safety concerns, and resource constraints slow down learning and increase stress. To address this, the MSICS Simulation – Virtual Reality Training (AI-LAB) Course offers a structured, simulation-based program that bridges the gap effectively. This course equips novice surgeons with essential MSICS skills in a safe, risk-free environment. By combining online learning, high-fidelity VR simulation, and wet-lab practice, it helps reduce surgical errors, shortens the learning curve, and improves patient safety enabling trainees to confidently address Nepal’s growing cataract burden with better outcomes.
Key Objectives of the Course:
- To provide novice surgeons with a safe, risk-free environment to master essential MSICS surgical steps, instruments, and techniques through virtual reality simulation and wet-lab practice.
- To accelerate the learning curve, reduce surgical errors, and enhance patient safety by building strong foundational skills before live surgery.
- To promote repetition, deliberate practice, and objective assessment, enabling trainees to achieve competence in MSICS.
- To reduce anxiety among trainees, improve instructor-trainee communication, and prepare surgeons to effectively address cataract backlog with high-quality outcomes.
This program equips aspiring ophthalmologists with transferable microsurgical skills that support both MSICS and broader cataract surgery practices, ultimately contributing to better eye care access and reduced blindness.
Highlights of the Course:
- MSICS Training Pathway: Combines Cybersight online courses, VR simulation, and wet-lab practice
- Access to State-of-the-Art MSICS VR Simulator: Practice all 24 surgical steps in a realistic, risk-free environment with haptic feedback and objective assessment.
- MSICS Essential Online Courses: Complete the official 2-hour “Step-by-Step” course plus access to Cybersight’s extensive video library and resources.
- Intensive Wet-Lab Practice: Perform 15–20 MSICS procedures on goat eyes, covering key steps including sclero-corneal tunnel creation, capsulotomy, nucleus delivery, IOL implantation, and wound closure.
- Suturing Skills Training: Hands-on practice using different ophthalmic sutures and needles, along with understanding principles of suture placement and needle passage.
Eligibility Criteria:
Candidates enrolled in Postgraduate Ophthalmology Program after completion of 6 months of course
Qualified with MD/ MS/DO/ DNB degree from recognized university.
Duration: 1 week
Course fees:
For Nepali & Indian candidates: NPR 25,000
For International Candidates: $ 200
Mode of payment: Candidates are required to make payment online upon receipt of the official invoice and admission confirmation letter
Accommodation: National candidates are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. For international candidates, accommodation will be arranged within the hospital campus or at a nearby hotel, subject to availability. Meals will be provided at the hospital canteen and charged on an actual consumption basis
Application Process:
Applicants are requested to apply through Biratnagar Eye Hospital www.leecs.org with the ophthalmology degree. Selected candidates will receive information from Biratnagar Eye Hospital within two weeks of submission of the application. Upon Successful payment of the course fee, admission letter will be sent.
For International Candidates:
International applicants must obtain a Temporary Registration Certificate from the Nepal Medical Council (NMC). The registration process is coordinated through the organization and may take time. Placement and scheduling will be confirmed only after NMC registration approval
For more Information/enquiries, contact
Course Coordinator
Biratnagar Eye Hospital, Biratnagar
Phone No: +977-9768684560
Email: dth.coordinator@erec-p.org
- 1-Week Observership on Retina
- Short Term Training in Phacoemulsification
- Short Term Training in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS)
- Six month primary eye health training
- 2.1 Vitreo-Retina Observership Program
- 2.2 Short term training in Phacoemulsification
- 2.3 Short Term Training in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS)
- 2.4 Six month primary eye health training
2.1 Vitreo-Retina Observership Program
Introduction:
The Vitreo-Retina Observership is a focused program designed for ophthalmologists aspiring to pursue a fellowship in medical and surgical vitreo-retina, as well as those passionate about advancing their expertise in this subspecialty. It provides immersive, short-term exposure to advanced clinical practices, surgical insights, and the dynamic working environment of a dedicated Vitreo-Retina department.
Objectives:
By the end of the Vitreo-Retina Observership, the participant will be able to:
1.Understand the clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and management of common vitreo retinal diseases through direct observation and case discussions.
2.Interpret key retinal investigations including OCT, FFA, and B-scan, and correlate findings with clinical diagnosis.
3.Gain observational exposure to retinal laser procedures, including indications, techniques, and complication management.
4.Enhance academic understanding through participation in departmental teaching sessions and case-based discussions.
Eligibility Criteria:
MBBS, DO/DOMS, MS/MD DNB or other ophthalmic Degree
Duration: One Week
Course Fee
For Nepali & Indian candidates: Rs. 15,000
For International Candidates: $150
Mode of Payment:
Candidates are required to make payment online upon receipt of the official invoice and admission confirmation letter
Accommodation: National candidates are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. For international candidates, accommodation will be arranged within the hospital campus or at a nearby hotel, subject to availability. Meals will be provided at the hospital canteen and charged on an actual consumption basis
Application Process:
Applicants are requested to apply through Biratnagar Eye Hospital www.leecs.org with the relevant document. Selected candidates will receive information from Biratnagar Eye Hospital within two weeks of submission of the application. Upon Successful payment of the course fee, admission letter will be sent.
For more Information/enquiries, contact
Course Coordinator
Biratnagar Eye Hospital, Biratnagar
Phone No: +977-9768684560
Email: dth.coordinator@erec-p.org
2.2 Short term training in Phacoemulsification
Introduction
Phacoemulsification is a modern cataract surgery technique. The discovery of phacoemulsification came as a boon for the Ophthalmic fraternity, where a cataractous lens could be emulsified through a small incision of 2-3 mm, giving perfect visual outcomes. There have been a lot of modifications to the current technique, but the basic technique of phacoemulsification remains the gold standard for cataract extraction.
Biratnagar Eye Hospital is a leading eye care and training institution in Nepal with extensive experience in cataract surgery and ophthalmic education. Performing more than 22,000 Phacoemulsification surgeries annually, the hospital offers high-volume surgical exposure, experienced trainers, modern surgical facilities, and a structured learning environment, providing participants with excellent opportunities to develop competency in Phacoemulsification surgery.
Course Objective:
These days cataract patients demand latest and safest surgical procedure: phacoemulsification with modern IOLs (Intraocular Lenses) which provide good visual outcome and fast visual recovery at an affordable cost. Therefore, ophthalmologists are keen to learn cataract surgery by Phacoemulsification (Phaco) technique.
Main aim of short term phacoemulsification training is to convert SICS surgeon into Phaco surgeon. The training is supervised by senior instructor until surgeon gains confidence to perform phaco surgery independently and is deemed to be competent by the supervisor to perform phaco surgery independently on simple uncomplicated cataract cases.
By the end of the course participants will:
– learn principles of phacoemulsification surgery.
– able to select patient and decide types of cataract procedure.
– able to perform all the surgical steps of phacoemulsification.
– have good understanding of ocular biometry.
– gain knowledge of good post-operative care.
This training enhances skills and improves outcomes for patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Eligibility Criteria:
Qualified with MD/MS/DO/DNB degree from recognized university.
Must be able to perform capsulorhexis (CCC) and MSICS confidently.
Surgical competency assessment Rubric form (ICO-OSCAR: SICS rubrics) to be filled up by participant him/herself (self-assessment) and/or Recent videos of surgery performed by participant.
Duration: 1 Month
No of cases: 20 cases
Course fees: Course fees:
For Nepali & Indian candidates: NPR 120,000
For International Candidates: $ 2000
Mode of payment: Candidates are required to make payment online upon receipt of the official invoice and admission confirmation letter
Accommodation: National candidates are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. For international candidates, accommodation will be arranged within the hospital campus/premises or at a nearby hotel, subject to availability. Meals will be provided at the hospital canteen and charged on an actual consumption basis
Application Process:
Applicants are requested to apply through Biratnagar Eye Hospital www.leecs.org with the relevant document. Selected candidates will receive information from Biratnagar Eye Hospital within two weeks of submission of the application. Upon Successful payment of the course fee, admission letter will be sent.
For International Candidates:
International applicants must obtain a Temporary Registration Certificate from the Nepal Medical Council (NMC). The registration process is coordinated through the organization and may take time. Placement and scheduling will be confirmed only after NMC registration approval.
For more Information/enquiries, contact
Course Coordinator
Biratnagar Eye Hospital, Biratnagar
Phone No: +977-9768684560
Email: dth.coordinator@erec-p.org
2.3 Short Term Training in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS)
The most common cause of curable blindness worldwide is cataract. It accounts for nearly 75% of blindness in the developing world. Every year about 1 to 2 million cataract cases are added to the global burden, and the number of cataract surgeries performed worldwide accounts for approximately 10 to 12 million. To address this global concern, numerous efforts are underway to reduce the cataract backlog by performing cost-effective manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) on the poor and the needy. This has helped in making cataract services available to all.
The transition from intracapsular cataract extraction to extracapsular cataract extraction and the manual small incision cataract surgery has transformed outcomes of cataract surgery in terms of visual outcomes, quality of life, and increased surgical acceptance by the patients. Cataract surgery has undergone a massive revolution and technical advancements, and now MSICS has become the surgery of choice in the developing world.
Goal:
This course is recommended for candidates who are interested in learning MSICS (Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery) and improving their surgical skills as SICS are relatively safe in complex cataract cases such as very hard cataracts, subluxated lens and those with small pupils and pseudoexfoliation. SICS has other advantages as it does not need extra machine, cost effective and relatively less time consuming performing cataract surgeries suitable for the areas where high volume of cataract surgeries is needed.
Objectives:
After completion of the course, participants will
– learn principles of manual SICS
– able to select patient and decide types of cataract procedure.
– able to perform all surgical steps of manual SICS.
– have good understanding of ocular biometry.
– gain knowledge of good post-operative care.
This training enhances skills and improves outcomes for patients undergoing cataract surgery.
Eligibility Criteria:
Candidates should have done 3 years course of postgraduate in ophthalmology.
Candidates who are proficient in phacoemulsification surgery desired to learn SICS.
Duration: 1 Month
Course fees:
For Nepali & Indian candidates: NPR 100,000
For International Candidates: $ 1200
Mode of payment: Candidates are required to make payment online upon receipt of the official invoice and admission confirmation letter
Accommodation: National candidates are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. For international candidates, accommodation will be arranged within the hospital campus or at a nearby hotel, subject to availability. Meals will be provided at the hospital canteen and charged on an actual consumption basis
Application Process:
Applicants are requested to apply through Biratnagar Eye Hospital www.leecs.org with the relevant document. Selected candidates will receive information from Biratnagar Eye Hospital within two weeks of submission of the application. Upon Successful payment of the course fee, admission letter will be sent.
For International Candidates:
International applicants must obtain a Temporary Registration Certificate from the Nepal Medical Council (NMC). The registration process is coordinated through the organization and may take time. Placement and scheduling will be confirmed only after NMC registration approval.
For more Information/enquiries, contact
Course Coordinator
Biratnagar Eye Hospital, Biratnagar
Phone No: +977-9768684560
Email: dth.coordinator@erec-p.org
2.4 Six month primary eye health training
6-months and 1-year courses on Primary Eye Health are provided to Auxiliary Health Workers (AHW) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs).
3-years training course to AHW and ANM.
In addition, short-term training are provided to health assistant students, staff nurse students, CBR workers, health posts in charge, female community health volunteers, traditional healers, and drug retailers.