Zeiss’ Ben Hegarty and Rebecca Potts at RANZCO NZ 2024 in Auckland

Unveiled at RANZCO NZ’s Annual Scientific Meeting, the latest iteration of Zeiss’ cataract surgery planning software, EQ Workplace, is designed to more effectively connect the clinic to theatre, while simplifying IOL calculation and selection.

Given the increase in cataract surgery in New Zealand and all developed countries, EQ Workplace means fewer transcription errors and time spent on IOL calculations for patients with astigmatism, reported researchers from the OKKO Eye Specialist Centre in Brisbane, Australia, in a new peer-reviewed study. Published in Clinical Ophthalmology, the study involved 60 patients with bilateral cataract requiring toric intraocular lenses (IOL). It also demonstrated significant time-saving efficiencies, concluded researchers. “Using a digital cataract workflow process is more efficient and provides staff cost-savings compared to a manual workflow process when planning for toric IOL implantation.”

Involving the patient in the IOL selection process also increases patient education and decreases lens selection time, said Rebecca Pott, Zeiss’ marketing manager for chronic disease management. “Seamless integration from the IOLMaster 700 to EQ Workplace and into the theatre allows surgeons to make decisions in real time within the patient consultation room.”

The impact of this platform is quite profound, said Ben Hegarty, Zeiss’ regional sales manager, surgical ophthalmology. “Gone are the days of surgeons racing around with manila folders full of notes, potential transcription errors, having to call their rooms from theatre to double check a patient calculation.”