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.
Sight.org MSICS training

About MSICS Training

Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) is a low-cost, self-sealing, fast-healing procedure commonly used in developing countries.

How our MSICS training works

To be skilled in MSICS and become eligible to serve in most organizations, you must perform at least 100 live surgeries. Providing this number of patients is difficult for most training programs, but not for Sight.org. As a mobile clinic that travels throughout Togo, Africa, we travel to regions where eyecare is nonexistent, and we can locate 220 patients on an average 2-week campaign, eight times per year. With our exceptional support staff and Dr. Nestor Avia, our senior ophthalmic surgeon with over 10,000 surgeries, we would love to help you achieve proficiency in MSICS and become a lifelong contributor to the fight against preventable blindness.

Realizing our strength is in assisting fellow surgeons in MSICS proficiency through experience in live surgeries, we have refrained from focusing on entry-level training in MSICS. Thus, for introductory training, we recommend contacting HelpMeSee, Vision Outreach, or another program that focuses on entry-level training in MSICS and introduction to live surgery. Then, 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.

If your schedule cannot allow a two-week campaign or you need to perform surgeries at a slower pace, you are welcome to return to Togo for an additional campaign to reach your goal. If you achieve your goal before entering the campaign’s second week, your training fee can be reduced, and your return flight can be booked for an earlier departure for a $250 fee paid to the airline.

Dr. Kondrot's testimonial for volunteering with Sight.org

"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?

  • $7,400 for training in an entire two-week campaign.
  • $4,500 for training not extending beyond the first week of the campaign.

Fees cover:

  • Oversight and support staff during surgery.
  • In-country host, transportation, hotels, food, and visa.

At least six weeks before your trip, Sight.org will contact Alcon to request a supply donation for the campaign with you as the host doctor.

Which training dates are available?

  • Jan. 13-24, 2025 (1 spot)
  • Mar. 3-14, 2025 (1 spot)
  • Apr. 7-18, 2025 (1 spot)
  • May. 19-30, 2025 (2 spots)
  • Jun. 30-Jul 11, 2025 (2 spots)
  • Aug. 11-22, 2025 (2 spots)
  • Sep. 22-Oct. 3, 2025 (2 spots)
  • Nov. 3-14, 2025 (2 spots)

Am I eligible for MSICS training?

To become eligible for our MSICS training, you must be a licensed ophthalmologist with experience in 15+ live surgeries using MSICS.

If you don’t yet have 15+ hours of experience with live MSICS surgeries, we recommend contacting HelpMeSee, Vision Outreach, or another program focusing on entry-level training in MSICS and 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.

How long does MSICS training take?

Our MSICS training can be completed within two weeks. If your schedule cannot allow a two-week campaign or you need to perform surgeries at a slower pace, you are welcome to return to Togo for an additional campaign to reach your goal. If you achieve your goal before entering the campaign’s second week, your training fee can be reduced, and your return flight can be booked for an earlier departure for a $250 fee paid to the airline.

Want to become proficient in MSICS? Here’s the first step…

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