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The RCAS Fellowship Curriculum

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.