University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity is hoping to attract funding for the provision of a simulator to train surgeons to perform sight-saving eye operations on thousands of local patients.

The charity has launched an appeal to fund an Eye Sim. Costing £201,000, this technology simulates the environment of surgery for common eye conditions, such as a cataract operation which can be very technically complex. The Eye Sim will be situated at Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s eye unit, where trainee surgeons from across the Wessex area will learn the skills needed to carry out eye operations safely and effectively.

Using the simulator, trainee surgeons will learn to operate in a small cube of 5x5x5mm, and account for the natural movement of the eye. To do this, the surgeon must first learn to work through a microscope instead of directly viewing the eye and manoeuvre the surgical instruments, with each hand and leg operating different controls at the same time. Learning these skills on a simulator before operating on patients is an important part of training as it helps to ensure patient safety.

When the hospital first purchased a surgical simulator in 2013, it elevated training capabilities, making Royal Bournemouth Hospital’s eye unit a cutting-edge centre of excellence. However, recent advances in technology mean the current surgical simulator has been de-commissioned. Purchasing the next generation of this technology will ensure the Royal Bournemouth Hospital eye unit remains at the forefront of research, training and eye surgery over the next 10 years.

Ben Parkin, consultant ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon and college tutor at University Hospitals Dorset said: “I have worked as a surgeon at Royal Bournemouth Hospital for the last 19 years and experienced first-hand just how challenging surgery for common eye conditions like cataract and glaucoma can be. Purchasing the most up-to-date surgical simulator will advance our training further than ever, resulting in more highly skilled surgeons performing effective life-changing operations on patients at your local hospitals.”

Purchasing just one new surgical simulator will enable an estimated 75 trainee surgeons to learn the skills needed to perform a predicted 30,000 sight-saving operations on ophthalmology patients at University Hospitals Dorset and across Wessex.

Mark Masters, former patient said: “In January 2022, I underwent cataract surgery at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. I began to notice that my eyesight was deteriorating, and I was referred to the eye unit where it was confirmed that I had a cataract in my right eye. Since my operation, I’m amazed how much my sight has improved – the world is so much more vivid. Sight is a major part of life, so having the most up-to-date training equipment is vital for the eye surgeons who go on to improve the life of someone like me.”

If you are interested in making a donation or raising funds to support the Eye Sim appeal please visit www.uhdcharity.org/current-projects/eye-sim/ or contact the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity office on 0800 019 4060/8449.