Cataract surgical training in Poland: analysis of the European board of ophthalmology survey results

Abstract

Backgrounds/objectives

This study, part of a series, aims to present and analyze the results of the Polish cohort in a European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) survey on cataract surgical (CS) training in Europe, highlighting national traits and contributing to the discussion on standardizing ophthalmology training.

Materials and methods

This study analyses the survey results of Polish participants in the EBO examinations (2018–2022) and compared them with the largest groups of candidates (Germany, France, Swiss and Spain).

Results

Out of 144 candidates, 79 (55%) answered the questionnaire. Most (70.9%) had taken the EBO exam between 2021 and 2022, with the vast majority of study participants being women (77.2%) with a median age of 34 years and came from 9 different voivodeships. Notably, 25.4% stated that they had carried out 10 or more training sessions on virtual reality simulator, 13.9% on synthetic eyes and 12.7% on animal eyes. There was a significant difference in the concrete use of SBME (more than ten sessions regardless of the simulation tool) between men and women (55.6% versus 23% respectively, p = 0.008). A notable discrepancy was observed between participants with 10 or more training sessions and those without specific training in four key areas: self-assessed confidence and ability to perform cataract surgery (p = 0.003), handling complications like posterior capsular tear (p < 0.001) and in performing corneal sutures (p = 0.015). Less than half (40.5%) of respondents had not performed any steps of cataract surgery on patients during their residency. Unlike in the EBO results, there were no gender differences found.

Discussion

The results show a geographically homogenous group with an overrepresentation of Warsaw. Polish residency training is a hybrid model ensuring that all residents receive uniform surgical training. After completing their residency, Polish ophthalmologists are subsequently categorized into either surgical specialists or clinical practitioners.