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Retinal laser photocoagulation has been used for a decade, but no real improvement in results has been observed. The simulator described here, by separating actual practice from apprenticeship, allows one both to learn the use of the equipment and the training in diagnosing and operating. It has been designed as close as possible to the actual device and gives the opportunity to deal with a widespread library of pathologic cases. An actual slit-lamp is supplied with sensors measuring all the degrees of freedom of the system. The images are calculated by a PC computer and are displayed at a rate of 15/s on a miniature screen located inside the binocular. A user interface is provided by means of a computer assisted training software, allowing the users to manage the pigmentations and pathologies database, to follow-up the students' skill level and to plan critical operations.

This study was undertaken to teach laser retinal photocoagulation in different disorders using a "virtual eye". Most ophthalmologists routinely use laser photocoagulator. Both indications and laser effects are well-known. However, in various diseases (diabetic retinopathy, age-related-macular degeneration, myopia...) complications rate increase or at least does not decrease. The main reasons are: - ignorance of risk factors, - misuse of the instrument.We developed a new automated device stimulating a real laser photocoagulator. Only slit-lamp exists. The three-mirror lens, the fundus and the retinal photocoagulation impacts are "virtual".The aim of the simulator is to help practitioners to recognize various pathologies almost as in real conditions and to be familiar with different technics of photocoagulation. By using computer assisted learning, a constant evaluation determines the level and the progress of practitioners.