from non-invasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging
could make this happen, says Joel Schuman, MD, FACS, professor
and chairman of ophthalmology at NYU Langone Medical Center.
"It'll be a different experience for surgeons, very much immersive,"
he says. Plus, in a step up over endoscopic cameras, "OCT is like 4D,
where time is the fourth dimension, and it'll be possible to see what is
happening over time."
These virtual reality views might even escort robotics into eye surgery.
Not hulking robotic arms, but nanomachines working under the physi-
cian's wireless control. "This could allow physicians to operate closer to
delicate tissue, such as the retina, without the risks involved with the
human hand doing that surgery," says Dr. Schuman. "You'd have the arti-
sanal aspect of surgery, but also more reproducible."
4. Provider short-
age?
As ophthalmic
case volume climbs,
the physician popula-
tion is expected to
remain constant. "The
demographics show
we're going to have an
access-to-care prob-
lem," says Mr.
Sheppard. Sub-spe-
cialization may be the
answer, with some
physicians forgoing
the office to practice
in the OR full time,
J U N E 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 6 9
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