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The RCAS Standardized Curriculum is used at all RCAS Fellowship training sites (Michigan, Ohio, Virginia).

The RCAS Curriculum

I. Didactic Core (Knowledge Objectives)

  1. Intraocular Lens (IOL) Technologies
  • Objective: Attain in-depth understanding of IOL design and function.
  • Content:
    • Monofocal IOLs
    • EDOF (Extended Depth of Focus) IOLs
    • Trifocal IOLs
    • Diffractive and Wavefront IOLs
    • Small Aperture IOLs
    • Light Adjustable Lenses (LALs)
  1. Optical Physics and Visual Outcomes
  • Objective: Understand the optical properties influencing IOL performance.
  • Content:
    • Pupil size dependency
    • Spherical aberration correction
    • Eschelette step height and ring spacing
  1. Wavefront Aberrometry
  • Objective: Master interpretation and clinical application.
  • Content:
    • Pre- and post-operative wavefront analysis
    • Corneal and total ocular aberrations
    • Matching patient optical profiles to IOL designs
  1. Biometry and IOL Selection
  • Objective: Optimize IOL power and design selection.
  • Content:
    • Axial length, keratometry, ACD
    • Assessment of astigmatism quality
    • Impact of corneal astigmatism and posterior cornea

II. Clinical Skills Development

  1. Pre-operative Ocular Surface Optimization
  • Objective: Evaluate and treat OSD prior to surgery.
  • Content:
    • Diagnosis of dry eye, MGD, and anterior blepharitis
    • Use of TearLab, MMP-9 testing, topography
    • OSD treatment protocols and surgical timing
  1. Patient Counseling & Expectation Management
  • Objective: Develop strong patient communication skills.
  • Content:
    • Lifestyle and visual goal discussions
    • Realistic expectation setting for premium IOLs
    • Management of dysphotopsias and neuroadaptation

III. Surgical Curriculum

  1. Advanced IOL Techniques
  • Objective: Develop surgical competence in:
    • IOL exchange in intact and ruptured capsules
    • Scleral-fixated IOLs and iris-fixated IOLs using Yamane, flange techniques, or 9-0 prolene to iris
    • Toric and multifocal IOL realignment and repositioning
    • Aphakia correction with beltloop and scleral fixated PCIOLs
  1. Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS)
  • Objective: Learn advanced FLACS applications.
  • Content:
    • Capsulotomy, lens fragmentation, arcuate incisions
    • Patient selection and outcomes
  1. Intraoperative Aberrometry
  • Objective: Gain proficiency in real-time IOL selection.
  • Content:
    • ORA system interpretation
    • Adjusting for corneal astigmatism and IOL cylinder
  1. Phacodynamics and Machine Settings
  • Objective: In-depth understanding of fluidics and energy delivery.
  • Content:
    • Sculpting and chopping techniques
    • Longitudinal vs torsional ultrasound
    • Vacuum and flow rate optimization in complex cases
  1. Complex Case Management
  • Objective: Independently manage referred complications.
  • Content:
    • Posterior capsular rupture and vitreous loss
    • Zonular dialysis and capsular tension devices
    • Subluxed cataracts and secondary IOL placement
    • Management of iris trauma, floppy iris, small pupils

IV. Academic and Service Requirements

  1. Research
  • Complete training in clinical trials
  • Participate in at least one clinical trial
  1. Scholarship
  • Any of the following may fulfil this requirement
    • Presentation at a regional or national meeting
    • Publication
    • Contribution of at least one case to ECP’s Rapid Rounds Program
  1. Teaching
  • Satisfactory performance in teaching residents or other fellows
  1. Service
  • Participation in service opportunities for the medically underserved population
  • Engagement in International Ophthalmology Service Trips under ECP Sponsorship

V. Professional Development

  1. Complete training in the following areas
  • Practice Management
  • Quality and Safety
  • Risk Management

Fellows will be assessed for the curricular elements listed above and for professionalism. Fellows are always expected to:

  • Make their patients the exclusive focus of their attention when interacting with them.
  • Engage with staff members and other professionals in a manner that respects their infinite value as people.
  • Be generous in expressing gratitude to all who help them, regardless of job title or rank.
  • Comply with the values they attested to in the oaths they took when they became physicians.
  • Comply with all expectations of professional behavior as outlined in their employment agreements with EyeCare Partners.

For questions, please contact rcas@eyecare-partners.com.