The ELZA Institute is proud to spotlight a recent publication in Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today Europe by ELZA’s Chief Executive Officer, Nikki Hafezi, MAS IP ETHZ and Prof. H. Burkhard Dick, who is Director and Chairman of the Ruhr University Eye Hospital in Bochum, Germany. This article provides a comprehensive insight into the transformative journey of ophthalmic education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read the article here:
Pivoting from in-person to online
The pandemic’s onset saw a significant shift from traditional learning methods to online platforms. As the article notes, “The COVID-19 pandemic catapulted the world’s population into Zoom meetings, virtual congresses, live webinars… The changes were highly visible in the field of ophthalmology.” With lockdowns and travel restrictions in place, ophthalmologists learned to embrace these new educational avenues.
The article highlights the role of social media in this transformation. Platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram became instrumental in promoting webinars and online congresses. The authors emphasize, “Social media platforms… became an important means of connecting with colleagues, family, and friends.” The choice of platform, as the article suggests, played a crucial role in determining the reach and perception of the content.
The “Starbucks Effect”
Another pivotal point discussed is the “Starbucks effect.” Key opinion leaders in ophthalmology began to dominate the virtual space, drawing massive audiences. This ripple effect also benefited emerging ophthalmologists, providing them with a broader platform and audience.
However, by mid-2021, the virtual trend started to see a decline. The article highlights the industry’s inclination towards in-person meetings, emphasizing their importance for hands-on demonstrations and direct interactions. This transition was marked by a brief stint of live-streamed meetings, eventually transitioning to on-demand, prerecorded sessions.
In conclusion, the publication underscores humanity’s adaptability, especially evident in the ophthalmology sector. While the return to in-person meetings is evident, the virtual learning era’s imprints are indelible.
Read the full article here:
