This series on "Optimizing Ophthalmology Surgery Training Through Active Learning Strategies" is edited by Dr. Mathys Labuschagne from University of the Free State, South Africa, Dr. Helena Prior Filipe from Hospital Egas Moniz, Portugal and Dr. Karl Golnik from Creighton University and the University of Arizona, USA.
This thematic series aims to explore innovative approaches to teaching ophthalmic surgery, highlighting evidence-based strategies that enhance skill acquisition, critical thinking, and long-term surgical competency. By bringing together contributions from international experts in surgical education, ophthalmology, and medical pedagogies, the series will provide a comprehensive examination of how active learning methodologies can be effectively integrated into ophthalmic training programs.
By fostering a deeper understanding of these strategies, this series will serve as a valuable resource for educators, program directors, curriculum designers, and trainees, ultimately contributing to the advancement of ophthalmic surgical education, and optimizing patient care and outcomes.
Mathys Labuschagne
Clinical Simulation and Skills Unit, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, South Africa
He earned his MB ChB and qualified as an Ophthalmologist in 2006. He later developed a strong interest in health professions education, earning a PhD in 2012 with a thesis on clinical simulation in medical training. He became Head of the Clinical Simulation and Skills Unit at the University of the Free State, focusing on simulation-based training, precision skills, performance assessment, and interprofessional education.
Mathys has published widely, contributed to a book chapter, and presented research globally. He supervises master's and PhD students in health professions education. As a member of the Ophthalmology Foundation Education Simulation Subcommittee, he helped develop a White Paper on ophthalmology simulation training and co-authored four review articles. He also contributed to the My Skills Medic app, a clinical procedural training tool for medical students and professionals. His work continues to enhance simulation-based education, performance assessment, and collaborative practice in healthcare.
Helena Prior Filipe
Department of Ophthalmology, West Lisbon Hospitals Center, Hospital Egas Moniz, Lisboa, Portugal
Helena Prior Filipe, MD, MMEd, is an ophthalmologist and medical educator with expertise in ocular surface disease, cornea, and ultrasound. She practices at the Hospital of Egas Moniz, West Lisbon Hospitals Center, and has contributed to research at the Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research.
Beyond her clinical work, Helena is a leader in health professions education, particularly in Continuing Professional Development (CPD). She earned a master’s degree in medical education (summa cum laude) from the Portuguese Catholic University and focuses on online faculty education, simulation-based learning, and mentorship, particularly for underserved communities.
She has held leadership roles in major international organizations, including chairing the CPD committee at the International Council of Ophthalmology and serving on the European Board of Ophthalmology. She is the CPD and Simulation-based Education Chair for the Ophthalmology Foundation and chair-elect of the Professional Development and Education Committee at ARVO. She also co-chairs Capacity Building at SACME and is a core member of the Brigham Education Institute’s Mentors Across Borders program.
Helena holds postgraduate CPD qualifications from AMEE and the University of Toronto and is a Certified Professional in CPD (Healthcare), recognized for her contributions to global medical education.
Helena is a Fellow of AMEE, a Fellow of SACME, and a Fellow of the European Academy of Clinical Leadership. Ciência ID E719-ED4E-7DC7. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1081-7570
Karl Golnik
Barrow Neurological Institute, Creighton University and the University of Arizona, Phoenix, USA
Dr. Golnik is a neuro-ophthalmologist and ophthalmic educator. He has received the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Lifetime Achievement award, the North American Neuro-ophthalmology Society’s Merit Award, the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Senior Achievement Award and more than 10 teaching awards throughout his career. He has given more than 1100 invited neuro-ophthalmology and medical education lectures in more than 75 countries and has over 150 publications in these fields. He serves as a Board member and Chair for Education of the Ophthalmology Foundation. He is also Past-President and current Secretary for International Relations of the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO).
Series outline:
Editorial Commentary
- Introductory Preface for the special series
Review Articles
- Overview of innovative learning strategies in ophthalmology surgery training
- Digital learning tools and resources to assist training in ophthalmology surgery
- Collaborative and social learning in ophthalmic surgery training
- Technology-driven enhancements in teaching ophthalmology surgery
- International partnership for developing an outcome-based curriculum for cataract surgery training by simulation using innovative learning strategies
Disclosure:
The series "Optimizing Ophthalmology Surgery Training Through Active Learning Strategies" is commissioned by the editorial office, Annals of Eye Science without any sponsorship or funding. Dr. Mathys Labuschagne, Helena Prior Filipe and Karl Golnik are serving as the unpaid Guest Editor for the series.