PhacoTrainer: AI-powered feedback tool to help cataract surgery training
Official title: PhacoTrainer: Implementing and Evaluating an Artificial Intelligence Tool to Improve Cataract Surgery
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11344728 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new AI-based tool analyzes cataract surgery videos to give trainees clear, objective feedback and track their skill development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $692,626 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EY038723-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11344728 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This grant targets medical trainees and surgeons in training who perform cataract surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients may not directly benefit during training, but overall safety and outcomes could improve as surgeons become more proficient.
What this research studies
Cataract surgery is common but training can be tough and subjective. This project uses deep learning to recognize surgical steps, instruments, and eye anatomy in videos, then provides structured feedback through a user-friendly web platform. Trainees can upload their videos, receive automated performance metrics, and monitor progress over time to pinpoint areas for improvement. The goal is to standardize training, reduce complications, and speed up the path to safer, more confident surgeons.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, aspiring cataract surgeons may learn faster with objective feedback, potentially reducing complication risks for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous AI-assisted surgical training tools show promise in automated feedback and skill assessment.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Sophia Ying — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Sophia Ying
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.