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Wilmer Eye Institute

The Center of Excellence for Ophthalmic Surgical Education and Training

The Wilmer Eye Institute is known as a global leader in the field of ophthalmic training. Rapid advances in biomedical research, biotechnology, information technology and medical equipment and devices have created phenomenal new opportunities for ophthalmic surgery.

New surgical technologies and techniques have transformed the operating room, enabling the success of previously unthinkable interventions. Simultaneously, innovations in education technology offer exciting possibilities for teaching. Simultaneously, innovations in education technology offer exciting possibilities for teaching.

Establishing OphSET

The Center of Excellence for Ophthalmic Surgical Education and Training (OphSET) is spearheading Wilmer’s efforts to invigorate surgical education and training and to put into practice the latest technologies and techniques. OphSET leadership has collaborated with Johns Hopkins computer scientists to better assess surgical performance and plans to:

  • Develop innovative tools to help novice and experienced surgeons improve their skills.
  • Create ways to incorporate surgical simulation into education/training and patient care.
  • Utilize technology-assisted methods of analysis for both education/training and surgical innovations.
  • Draft new curricula for international dissemination.

More About OphSET

  • Our Education

    Explore how OphSET is using innovative technologies to transform ophthalmic education.

  • Collaborations

    Learn how OphSET will make advances in research, teaching and patient care through key partnerships.

Latest News

A New Paradigm in Surgical Education - Johns Hopkins Medicine (2/5/20)


Taking Surgical Education to the Next Level

The Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute is a leader in ophthalmic care and has trained generations of surgical innovators through the time-honored surgical educational model of “see one, do one, teach one.” As operating room technology has evolved rapidly in recent years, so too have the challenges of educating surgeons.

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OphSET Director - Shameema Sikder

In addition to her robust clinical practice, Dr. Sikder leads a research team focused on improving surgical performance through artificial intelligence. This research is at the backbone of her passion for teaching the next generation of ophthalmic surgeons.

Currently the Director of OphSET, Dr. Sikder established the Center in 2015. The first of its kind in the country, OphSET serves as a training resource to support ophthalmic surgical education for young physicians, and training for ophthalmologists perfecting their craft.

Dr. Sikder’s research is working to fill these critical gaps with tools for consistent, objective and accessible skill assessment. Her research has gained tremendous momentum over the past year with her recent appointment into the Malone Center of Engineering.

Learn more about Dr. Sikder
Shameema Sikder

OphSET Team

Peter J. McDonnell, M.D. - Faculty Advisor

Professor of Ophthalmology
Director of The Wilmer Eye Institute
William Holland Wilmer Professor of Ophthalmology
Peter McDonnell

Thomas V. Johnson III, M.D., Ph.D. - Resident Instructor

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Thomas V. Johnson III

Bryn M. Burkholder, M.D. - Resident Instructor

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Bryn M. Burkholder
Irene Catterson - Program Administrator
Irene Lao
Swaroop Vedula - Assistant Research Professor
Swaroop Vedula

Support OphSET

OphSET is seeking partners and philanthropic funding to quickly and effectively pursue our mission: to prepare leading ophthalmic surgeons at all levels in the delivery of the most advanced surgical care; to inspire and nurture expertise among ophthalmic surgeons, researchers, and educators; and thus to promote the highest quality surgical care in ophthalmology worldwide.

Learn more about giving