MSICS Training
Why MSICS Training?
Cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blindness in developing nations. To solve this problem, the world needs more ophthalmologists trained in MSICS.
About MSICS Training
How our MSICS training works
To become proficient in Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) and qualify to serve with many eye care organizations, surgeons typically need experience performing around 100 live cataract surgeries. Reaching that number is one of the greatest challenges in MSICS training—not because of a lack of motivation, but because most training programs cannot provide enough surgical patients.
This is where Sight.org is uniquely positioned to help.
As a mobile eye surgery program serving rural Togo, West Africa, we travel to communities where cataract care is virtually nonexistent. During a typical six-day surgical campaign, our team performs more than 250 MSICS surgeries, with eight campaigns each year. That high patient volume creates an exceptional environment for surgeons who are ready to build confidence and proficiency through real-world experience.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Nestor Avia, our senior ophthalmic surgeon with more than 10,000 cataract surgeries, and alongside an experienced surgical support team, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills while helping restore sight to people who would otherwise remain blind.
Our Focus
Our strength is helping surgeons gain proficiency through high-volume live surgery. For that reason, we do not focus on introductory MSICS training.
If you are just beginning your MSICS journey, we recommend first completing an introductory program with organizations such as HelpMeSee or Vision Outreach, or another program specializing in foundational MSICS instruction and initial live surgical experience. Once you have completed approximately 15 live surgeries and are comfortable with the fundamentals, we invite you to join us to continue building your experience toward 100 surgeries.
We’ve Removed the Barriers
Before you arrive, everything is prepared.
Your patients are scheduled. Your operating room is ready. Your accommodations are arranged. Your instructor, surgical team, and support staff are in place.
Your job is simple: focus on operating, learning, and growing as a surgeon.
Progress at Your Own Pace
Every surgeon learns at a different pace. While many participants make significant progress during a single six-day campaign, there is no pressure to reach a specific number before you’re ready. If you need additional experience to reach your training goals, you’re welcome to return for future campaigns until you achieve the level of proficiency you desire.
Beyond Training
We hope your time with Sight.org is only the beginning. Once you’ve completed your training, we would love to welcome you back as a volunteer surgeon, restoring sight and sharing Christ’s love with patients across West Africa. If you choose to serve with another organization, we’re also happy to provide professional referrals based on your experience with our team.
"My favorite program to work with in Africa"
“This is definitely my favorite program to work with in Africa to utilize my skills and to help a large number of patients. Sight.org is a great organization with an excellent in-country support team. I highly recommend Sight.org for a true African eye surgical mission experience.”
Dr. Ed Kondrot
Eye Surgeon
Cataracts blind 1 in 20 people in Togo. Apply for MSICS training to help us change that.
Frequently asked questions about MSICS training
How much does MSICS training cost?
We recognize that many ophthalmologists pursuing MSICS training are residents or are early in their careers and may already be carrying significant educational debt.
Because our mission is to help train more surgeons to restore sight around the world, we have intentionally designed our program to recover costs rather than generate profit. Our goal is simply to make high-volume surgical training as accessible and affordable as possible.
One way we’re able to keep costs low is through donated surgical supplies from Alcon. These donations are available only when a U.S. board-certified ophthalmologist participates in one of our surgical campaigns. Rather than charging a traditional training fee, we ask each visiting surgeon to help obtain and transport the donated supplies for the campaign. Sight.org coordinates the entire donation process, places all Alcon supply orders on your behalf, and provides clear, step-by-step packing instructions before you travel.
Participants are responsible only for the direct costs associated with their training:
- $1,200 – Additional operating room expenses, local transportation, and campaign logistics.
- $600 – Airline baggage fees for the donated surgical supplies. Most airlines include two checked bags, while the remaining three bags typically cost approximately $200 each.
- Approximately $200 – In-country accommodations and meals (credit cards accepted).
- Round-trip airfare to Lomé, Togo.
- Any required vaccinations or medications.
- Travel insurance.
Our hope is that by removing unnecessary financial barriers, more ophthalmologists will become proficient in MSICS and spend their careers restoring sight to people who would otherwise remain blind. If, later in your career, you’re able to help train or mentor the next generation of surgeons—or return to serve alongside us—we’ll consider that one of the greatest successes of this program.
Which training dates are available?
2026 Campaigns
- Aug 3-8 (Reserved)
- Sep 28-Oct 3 (Reserved)
- Nov 9-14 (Reserved)
2027 Campaigns
- Jan 18-23 (Available)
- Mar 1-6 (Available)
- Apr 12-17 (Available)
- May 24-29 (Available)
- Jul 5-10 (Available)
- Aug 16-21 (Available)
- Sep 27-Oct 2 (Available)
- Nov 8-13 (Available)
To help you recover from travel and adjust to the time difference, we recommend arriving in Togo two days before your scheduled campaign and departing the day after it concludes.
Am I eligible for MSICS training?
To become eligible for our MSICS training, you must be a licensed, USA-based ophthalmologist certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology with experience in 15+ live surgeries using MSICS.
If you haven’t yet had experience in 15+ live MSICS surgeries, we recommend contacting HelpMeSee, Vision Outreach, or another program that focuses on entry-level training in MSICS and an introduction to live surgery.
Once you have performed at least 15+ live surgeries, you can come to Sight.org to perform the additional 85 surgeries to reach your goal of 100.
What is the experience like?
Traveling to another country to perform surgery can feel intimidating, but we’ve spent more than a decade making the experience simple. Since 2012, Sight.org has maintained a continuous presence in Togo, refining every aspect of the process so international surgeons can focus on what matters most—restoring sight.
From the moment you arrive, we’ll take care of the details.
When your flight lands in Lomé, you’ll arrive as a guest of the Ministry of Health of Togo. A Sight.org representative will meet you before you even reach customs, guide you through the airport, assist with your luggage, and present the necessary Ministry of Health documentation to ensure the donated Alcon surgical supplies you’re transporting clear customs quickly and smoothly.
After leaving the airport, you’ll be taken to one of our preferred hotels to rest after your journey. Each hotel is clean, comfortable, well known among international visitors, and offers excellent Western-style dining.
The following day, one of our drivers will transport you to the surgical site. Depending on the location, the journey may take several hours or, in some cases, most of the day. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the advance team that has already screened and scheduled your patients, prepared your operating room, and set up your accommodations.
Monday morning begins with a brief orientation and surgical review with Dr. Nestor Avia and the team. After that, you’ll begin operating.
From that point forward, your focus is simple: eat, rest, and perform surgery.
Everything else has already been arranged. Your patients have been scheduled. Your instruments are ready. Your operating room is prepared. Transportation, lodging, meals, and logistics are all handled by our experienced team.
Surgeries typically continue through Friday or Saturday. You’re also welcome to participate in morning patch removals, spend time encouraging patients, or share your testimony and the Gospel alongside our ministry team if you wish.
At the conclusion of the campaign, we’ll transport you back to Lomé, where you’ll spend your final evening at one of our favorite beachfront hotels. It’s a chance to rest, enjoy excellent French cuisine, and reflect on the lives you’ve helped change.
The following day, one of our drivers will pick you up from the hotel several hours before your departure, and transport you to the airport. From the moment you land until the moment you depart, our team is there to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Our goal is simple: remove every distraction so you can devote your time and energy to becoming a better MSICS surgeon while restoring sight to people who have often lived in blindness for years. We’ll take care of the logistics, so you can focus on your patients.
Want to become proficient in MSICS? Here’s the first step…
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