The U-M Kellogg Eye Center has officially opened a new Surgical Wet Lab designed to provide state-of-the-art training for ophthalmology residents, fellows, medical students, and faculty. The facility aims to foster hands-on educational experiences that are critical to surgical proficiency, patient safety, and innovation in eye care. The size, resources, and technological sophistication of this facility distinguish it from others across the country. “The lab prepares residents and fellows for real-world surgical challenges,” says Ariane Kaplan, M.D., clinical associate professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences and residency program director. “It is equipped with advanced simulation technology, including virtual reality systems, wet lab stations, and high-definition imaging tools.” The lab also supports a wide variety of surgical procedures, enabling learners to practice complex techniques in a risk-free environment. “Residents and fellows simulate real surgical conditions and practice procedures such as incision, suturing, eye muscle surgery, and the placement of glaucoma draining devices,” says Dr. Kaplan. Most importantly, the new facility bolsters U-M’s commitment to excellence in medical education and innovation in surgical practices. “It promises to significantly enhance both the trainee experience and the standard of care provided to patients,” she says. Key features of the facility include seven OR-grade microscope stations with cameras and monitors for individualized and group instruction. The lab also offers recording capabilities for immediate feedback and asynchronous learning. The EyeSi simulator supplements tactile training. “We envision future expansion for broader medical education, faculty development, and community ophthalmologist engagement, including potential continuing medical education activities,” she says. Dr. Kaplan is enthusiastic about the new facility’s role in education and team building. “Recently, we held a ‘Surgery Olympics,’ in collaboration with Northwestern University,” says Dr. Kaplan. “It was a lot of fun to be in this new space, to see the equipment in action, and to be able to watch on the monitors as our residents progressed through the different stations.” The new lab is now a core component of the residency curriculum, with built-in time each month for PGY2 residents as well as all-resident sessions. Residents have 24/7 access to the facility, ensuring ample opportunities for hands-on training throughout the year.