Forty Years of Videos

Developed by Dr Robert Osher four decades ago, the Video Journal of Cataract, Refractive, and Glaucoma Surgery (VJCRGS) has become a mainstay for ophthalmic surgeons.

“The ESCRS is happy to include the Video Journal of Cataract, Refractive, and Glaucoma Surgery among our education resources. I encourage all of our members to visit the site and take advantage of the nearendless educational opportunities in cataract, refractive, and glaucoma surgery,” said Oliver Findl MD, current president of the ESCRS.

The VJCRGS was the first video journal in medicine, founded back in the day of videotape—before the internet existed. Now online at vjcrgs.com, the resource offers at least an hour of the highest quality education for the anterior segment surgeon four times each year. The journal is free to all practicing ophthalmologists and teaching institutions.

Current visitors will find a series of video presentations from the ESCRS 2021 Video Symposium “Pumping Adrenaline”. Topics include preoperative challenges such as posterior lenticonus; intraoperative complications such as a mature cataract with an anterior capsule tear; and postoperative surprises, including decentration of premium IOLs.

Dr Osher said he watches every video from the ASCRS, ESCRS, AAO, and the other major film festivals around the world to develop content for the VJCRGS. A distinguished editorial board hand-picks surgical videos from ophthalmologists that demonstrate excellent skill and sophisticated technique. The board includes Drs Graham Barrett, Michael Snyder, George Waring IV, and Ike Ahmed.

“We feature an international cast of surgeons who show innovative techniques, challenging cases, complication management, and award-winning videos and named lectures. We avoid any advertising or promotional content interfering with the viewer’s education. For example, the issue I am presently editing will focus on intrascleral haptic fixation and at least a dozen modifications of the Yamane technique,” Dr Osher said.

The VJCRGS began in 1985 as a quarterly subscription serving the needs of cataract and refractive surgeons. In 2018, the Video Journal’s scope expanded to include glaucoma surgery—in line with the evolving trends in anterior segment surgical management.

Robert H Osher MD served his residency at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and completed three fellowships in Miami, Florida, US, and at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US. Dr Osher is Professor of Ophthalmology at the College of Medicine of the University of Cincinnati and Medical Director Emeritus of the Cincinnati Eye Institute, Ohio, US. His practice has been limited to cataract and implant surgery by referral for thirtyeight years.