Introduction to Cataract Surgery

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Introduction to Cataract Surgery

Instructor: Elizabeth Du, M.D.

12,449 already enrolled

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

283 reviews

Advanced level

Designed for those already in the industry

Flexible schedule

1 week at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

283 reviews

Advanced level

Designed for those already in the industry

Flexible schedule

1 week at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Understand the fundamentals of how to perform each step of cataract surgery successfully.
Understand how to manage cataract surgery challenges.

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

This comprehensive course will give you the fundamental knowledge needed to begin performing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification and extracapsular removal. Each step from preoperative evaluation to postoperative care will be covered to help prepare you for the operating room.

This unit describes what needs to take place prior to getting the patient to the operating room. Although this unit may seem trivial, knowing when to make the decision to do surgery, having a good informed consent discussion, selecting an intraocular lens and anesthetic type are critical to a successful surgery and happy patient.

What's included

5 videos3 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

5 videos Total 95 minutes

01.01 - Preoperative Evaluation 17 minutes
01.02 - Refractive goals 24 minutes
01.03 - How to Choose an Intraocular Lens: Part 1 14 minutes
01.04 - How to Choose an Intraocular Lens: Part 2 24 minutes
01.05 - Perioperative Medications 16 minutes

3 readings Total 30 minutes

Course Expectations 10 minutes
Help us learn more about you! 10 minutes
READ: Unit 1 - Prior to the Operating Room 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

PRE-TEST 30 minutes
Unit 1 Content Quiz 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Unit 1 Discussion 10 minutes

This unit begins in the operating room after the patient is prepped and draped. It covers each step needed for you to access the lens. Once you begin operating, you will realize that each step of surgery has a domino effect. If the beginning steps are not done skillfully, it will make the rest of the case more difficult.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

6 videos Total 84 minutes

02.01 - Surg-onomics 13 minutes
02.02 - Anesthesia 19 minutes
02.03 - Wound Construction 12 minutes
02.04 - Viscoelastics 15 minutes
02.05 - Capsulorhexis 18 minutes
02.06 - Hydrodissection and Hydrodelineation 7 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

READ: Unit 2 - In the Operating Room and Getting to the Cataract 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Unit 2 Content Quiz 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Unit 2 Discussion 10 minutes

This unit is where all the fun begins. The lectures cover lens and cortex removal. We also discuss intraocular lenses and their insertion into the eye. While lens removal is the most critical step of surgery, it is also where the most serious complications occur, so pay attention!

What's included

7 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

7 videos Total 71 minutes

03.01 - Phacodynamics 19 minutes
03.02 - Phacoemulsification Techniques: Divide & Conquer and Phaco Chop 14 minutes
03.03 - Irrigation and Aspiration 9 minutes
03.04 - IOL Materials and Design 17 minutes
03.05 - Single Piece IOL loading and insertion 3 minutes
03.06 - 3-Piece IOL Loading and Insertion 5 minutes
03.07 - How to Insert an Anterior Chamber Lens Implant 3 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

READ: Unit 3 - Removing the Cataract and Intraocular Lens Placement 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Unit 3 Content Quiz 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Unit 3 Discussion 10 minutes

This unit covers some additional tools and strategies you will need to manage complications and difficult cataracts. Just like every person isn’t the same, neither is every cataract. Fortunately, we have many tips and tricks that will help you succeed no matter what type of cataract you tackle.

What's included

6 videos3 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

6 videos Total 74 minutes

04.01 - Capsule Complications 17 minutes
04.02 - Conversion to Extracapsular Cataract Extraction 15 minutes
04.03 - Capsular Tension Rings (13:07) 13 minutes
04.04 - Small Pupil (14:00) 14 minutes
04.05 - Astigmatism management in Cataract Surgery 7 minutes
04.06 - Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery 7 minutes

3 readings Total 30 minutes

READ: Unit 4 - Cataract Complications and Extras 10 minutes
Post-course Survey 10 minutes
Keep Learning with Michigan Online! 10 minutes

2 assignments Total 60 minutes

Unit 4 Content Quiz 30 minutes
POST-TEST 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Unit 4 Discussion 10 minutes

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(55 ratings)

Elizabeth Du, M.D.

University of Michigan

1 Course 12,449 learners

Offered by

University of Michigan

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Reviewed on Nov 27, 2016

FULL OF ALL INFORMATION AND TEACHING FOR BEGINNERS CATARACT SURGEONSVERY NICE COURSE

Reviewed on Mar 2, 2026

one of the best courses online, for eye health physicians and professionals

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2019

Very thorough course, really enjoyed the content! Thanks for making this available:)

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