Surgical Skills Training Facility

The University of Wisconsin is a world leader in the field of ophthalmic training. Part of the educational experience we offer our learners is a state-of the art Surgical Skills Training Facility (SSTF). This newly expanded and remodeled space provides access to the most advanced surgical technologies and techniques that are revolutionizing today’s operating room.

The SSTF is one of the most advanced surgical skills training facilities in the country. It enables our leaners to practice complex surgical procedures in a highly realistic environment, ensuring they gain familiarity, skills, and confidence prior to entering the operating room. Providing our learners with modern and realistic practice tools translates to better, and possibly even earlier, preparation for the operating room and superior patient care.

The new facility is designed to accommodate a variety of learning purposes, programs, and initiatives. It provides multifaceted surgical skills training on anatomical instruction, basic and advanced cataract surgery, oculoplastic surgery, glaucoma surgery, open globe surgery, and more.

The lab consists of 10 variable-height wet lab workstations. Each one is outfitted with cutting-edge equipment, including a microscope with a flexible arm tabletop stand, a camera, video capability, a halogen light source, controls, and a foot switch. In addition, there is a high-resolution screen/monitor connected to the wet lab space allowing for group viewing and discussion.

One of the most exciting aspects of our facility is that it gives us the ability to offer continuing training to a wider audience than previously possible. It is our hope to soon offer classes and continuing education opportunities to our alumni and community ophthalmologists.