The Gbemisola Olowolafe Centre for Ophthalmic Surgical Simulation has been inaugurated to advance eye surgery training in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Charles Bekibele, Chairman of the Faculty of Ophthalmology, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN), said the Centre fulfills a vision over 30 years in the making.
He noted that many Nigerian ophthalmology trainees have had to travel to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh for specialized training in phacoemulsification cataract and vitreoretinal surgery.Equipped with immersive virtual reality technology, the Centre provides step-by-step simulation training in both procedures.
It has admitted its first cohort of six trainees from Kaduna, Onitsha and other locations. Pioneer trainees described the simulator’s tissue-response as highly realistic and commended its capacity to enhance bimanual surgical coordination.
They expressed optimism that the facility will reduce the need for overseas training.The Centre is expected to strengthen ophthalmic education, improve patient outcomes, reduce surgical complications, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced ophthalmic training in West Africa.
