Alcon introduces VR surgical training technology

Alcon is rolling out a virtual reality surgical training system aimed at cataract surgeons-in-training, adding a portable simulator to its education lineup as the company expands the Alcon Experience Academy. The company said the system, called the Alcon Fidelis virtual reality ophthalmic surgical simulator, creates a virtual operating-room setting and is designed to be used from different locations with remote instruction. (alcon.com) Ophthalmology Times reported that surgeons would be able to try the device at the ASCRS meeting during hands-on sessions and training demonstrations. Alcon said the simulator was introduced as part of its broader surgeon training effort. ### What exactly is Alcon putting in surgeons’ hands? (ophthalmologytimes.com) Alcon said the Fidelis simulator is a portable VR training tool for cataract surgery that combines visual, audio and tactile cues. In its April 12, 2022 media release, the company said the system offers a “high-fidelity” virtual operating-room environment with haptic feedback intended to simulate the look and feel of cataract surgery. Rustin Floyd, Alcon’s global director and head of healthcare practitioner training and education, said in a company feature that the simulator is meant to improve training outcomes and build confidence for novice surgeons. Alcon said the device also allows others to join training sessions remotely, a feature the company described as a way to extend instruction beyond a single physical training site. (alcon.com) ### How does this fit into Alcon’s training business? The Alcon Experience Academy is the company’s umbrella for surgeon education, and Alcon said it offers thousands of courses each year across virtual, online and in-person formats. The Fidelis simulator is being positioned as one more training format inside that program rather than as a standalone commercial announcement. (alcon.com) Alcon said its training network includes Alcon Experience Centers worldwide and courses that range from online education to immersive simulation. In the company’s description, the VR system is intended to widen access to surgical simulation, which has traditionally depended on fixed-location equipment and in-person supervision. (alcon.com) ### Why is the company emphasizing simulation now? Alcon said surgical simulators have been shown to improve operating-room performance and address training barriers, citing published research in its release. The company framed the VR system as a response to access limits in conventional simulation training. (alcon.com) Ophthalmology training groups and meeting organizers have been increasing their use of wet labs, simulators and hands-on courses in recent years, according to conference materials and related training coverage surfaced alongside the announcement. That broader backdrop helps explain why Alcon is tying the launch to a live surgical meeting rather than limiting it to internal training centers. (alcon.com) ### Where will surgeons see it first? Ophthalmology Times reported that Alcon would introduce the VR technology at the upcoming ASCRS meeting and let surgeons experience it firsthand there. ASCRS describes its annual meeting as a forum for hands-on workshops, interactive labs and surgeon education. (alcon.com) The ASCRS annual meeting site says its 2026 meeting was held in Washington, D.C., and on-demand access is now available to registrants. The current Alcon and Ophthalmology Times material available through search does not specify broader commercial availability, pricing or a launch timetable beyond the meeting debut and training use. ### What comes next after the meeting demo? Alcon said the Fidelis VR simulators would first be used in its Alcon Phaco Development program, which the company said is focused on eye-care access in developing markets. (annualmeeting.ascrs.org) The company added in 2022 that teaching and residency programs were expected to follow later that year. As of Alcon’s current newsroom pages and the material tied to this story, the company has not publicly detailed a new price, sales schedule or updated availability plan for the simulator. (ophthalmologytimes.com) The next concrete place surgeons can find the technology is through Alcon’s training programs and ASCRS-related demonstration settings identified by the company and Ophthalmology Times. (alcon.com 1) (alcon.com 2) (ascrs.org)