Optometrists Malcolm Lowrey and Kenny Wu

Eye Institute (EI) optometrists Malcolm Lowrey and Kenny Wu have progressed through the first training programme for accreditation for performing YAG laser capsulotomies.

“Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer announced that we would be training optometrists for YAG capsulotomies at the New Zealand Association of Optometrists conference in October and, since then, the Eye Institute has been implementing a YAG laser training programme in line with the strict Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB) guidelines,” said Reuben Gordon, EI deputy chief operating officer.

The first phase of training was to complete a laser safety course and 10–15 hours of learning, he said, as well as observing many different procedures performed by a “long list” of ophthalmologists, then compiling a 24-page laser-training compendium. Phase two was completing capsulotomies in a simulated environment and observing 20 capsulotomies. “They have observed 11 surgeons to learn different styles, techniques and observe a range of complex posterior capsule opacifications,” Gordon explained.

A prerequisite for entry into the YAG programme is a minimum of three years’ work history in a hospital setting and over 400 hours of clinical experience, he said, adding that EI had an extra requirement of working at least four days a week to ensure sufficient continuity of care.

Marking the milestone, EI consultant Dr Narme Deva celebrated the pair’s progress at EI’s latest optometry-focused seminar ‘The great retina vs glaucoma specialists showdown’ (see Related Story below).

Lowrey and Wu are now asking the ODOB to be allowed to commence the final stage of training, which is 20 supervised capsulotomies. Once they have completed these, the pair will need to meet the ongoing competency requirements outlined by ODOB, Gordon said.