The course was carefully designed to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge by two experienced and renowned Brazilian surgeons in the field. It is an online and in-person immersion in the chosen technique, with a focus on enabling participants to perform the proposed surgery in their home city. In addition to extensive theoretical and practical content, participants receive valuable insights into the entire ecosystem surrounding the technique.

Over the course of its 8 editions, with more than 100 surgeons already trained, we have continuously improved our methodology. Our results are reflected in those who are now performing these surgeries in their cities and delivering the best outcomes to their patients.

We believe in the transformative power of education!

THEORETICAL CLASSES

Four online sessions, held weekly, including two lectures (delivered by both coordinators via live broadcast, lasting between 1h30 and 2h00) and discussion (approximately 30–40 minutes of Q&A and discussion). At this stage, participants gain access to around 8 hours of lectures, totaling approximately 500 slides, many of which include infographics, scientific evidence from reliable literature, and high-resolution images of real cases from the coordinators. In addition, selected excerpts from surgical videos (around 50 videos in total) are presented, illustrating and detailing key surgical moments, all essential for learning.

PRACTICAL CLASSES

In-person sessions lasting one or two days (depending on the course), held in the cities of Brasília (DSEK Course – endothelial for beginners and Basic Transplant Course) and Recife (DMEK Course – advanced endothelial and Anterior Lamellar Course). The in-person days include, depending on the course:

1. The Grand Review

A synthesis of the theoretical classes to consolidate knowledge, using selected slides.

2. My Best Tips

An important moment where the coordinators share their key insights and practical tips for each surgical step.

3. Commented Virtual Surgery

A large-screen presentation in which the coordinators showcase an edited real surgery, pausing at critical moments and providing commentary at each surgical step. 

4. Wet Lab with Human Corneas

The highlight of the course, featuring hands-on training with human tissue (provided by the regional eye bank, not suitable for real surgery and intended for training purposes). Bench microscopes are used so that each participant performs a minimum number of corneas (depending on the course), with one of them broadcast on a large screen for group learning.

5. Live Surgery

Depending on the course, a live surgery may be performed in the operating room with informed patient consent, with all participants observing via screen and/or microscope auxiliary lenses. This part of the course depends on the availability of suitable tissue and patient at the time. Therefore, it cannot be guaranteed. As an alternative, in some courses, the coordinators perform live preparation of human tissue in the operating room with in-person participation.

6. Paper Lab

An innovative teaching methodology in which paper models are used to give participants a three-dimensional understanding of endothelial lamella unfolding maneuvers, as well as orientation checking.

7. Artificial Device – EyeLab

An artificial device, developed by the coordinators in partnership with another company, is presented. This lab allows participants to perform some surgical maneuvers so they can practice and repeat movements in their own city without the need for human tissue (training corneas). EyeLab is sold separately from the course registration. 

8. Surgical Quiz

Questions projected on a screen, answered by all participants and discussed by the coordinators, aiming to consolidate knowledge at the end of the learning process.

9. Surgical Cornea Handbook Delivery

The Surgical Cornea handbook is a printed summary of the main slides. In addition to being a practical surgical guide, it includes a list of surgical materials to be acquired by the participant.

10. Certificate Delivery

Certificates of completion are awarded.

11. Raffle

A raffle for attending participants and their referrals. Winners are entitled to registration and/or discounts for future courses.

POST-COURSE

1. Participation in a WhatsApp Group

A channel to ask questions about the technique, surgical materials, and practical challenges faced in daily surgical practice. It also serves as a space where participants share their first surgeries and achievements, encouraging those who have not yet started and discussing the main difficulties encountered.

2. Remote Support for the First Case

Participants receive guidance from the coordinators via WhatsApp to discuss their first case in both preoperative and postoperative phases. This is an important remote support system provided by two experienced surgeons, including preparation before the surgical day and postoperative advice.

3. Surgical Coach

Individualized, in-person training (in Brasília or Recife) with one of the coordinators. The participant receives theoretical instruction, observes live surgery, performs Wet Lab training (with approximately 10–15 corneas, depending on availability from the local eye bank), and experiences the surgeon’s routine, including surgical indication processes, tissue evaluation, and postoperative follow-up. Surgical Coach is a personalized immersion in the chosen surgical technique.