ASCRS 2025: Neda Shamie, MD, shares her early clinical experience with the Unity VCS system

Neda Shamie, MD, shared her firsthand experience with the new Unity VCS system at the 2025 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting, held April 25 to 28 in Los Angeles, California. “I had the pleasure of working with the Unity VCS system early on, and have done quite a number of cases with the system,” she said. “Several things really were transformative and had a significant 'wow' effect for me.”

Shamie emphasized the system’s short learning curve. “Usually when I have transitioned from one phaco machine to another, it takes at least several days...but I have to say, with this, it was one or two cases.” Building on the Centurion platform, Unity VCS introduces enhancements across multiple parameters, particularly in fluidics and energy management.

“The smart fluidics really improve followability. They improve chamber stability,” Shamie explained, noting how pieces are drawn efficiently to the tip, minimizing the need for peripheral maneuvers and reducing complication risks. She reported operating at significantly lower physiological IOPs—“down to 26 from high 40s”—without sacrificing chamber stability.

Another innovation, 4D phaco, impressed Shamie by boosting efficiency. “This has increased efficiency of nuclear fragment removal by more than two times, and has lowered the energy used in the eye by nearly 50%.”

The Unity VCS also enhances workflow beyond the OR. “My team has found it really easy to work with the Unity VCS system and really actually prefer it over other systems,” she noted, underscoring the positive ripple effect on surgical day flow and team morale.

Looking ahead, Shamie envisions using less anesthesia, faster recovery times, and even lighter surgical days. “I look forward to taking advantage of this technology to really improve my flow...and maximize my footprint.”