Surgical instrument continuing education programs launched

San Francisco-Bausch & Lomb Storz Ophthalmic Instruments recently launched two new continuing education programs available at www.StorzOphthalmicCE.com. Participants will receive contact hours approved by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution Inc., the International Association for Healthcare Central Service Material Management, and the Texas Nurses Association.

Each of the available programs offer benefits to various staff members within the ophthalmic surgical setting. Nurses are able to expand their knowledge of surgical instruments as well as increase their understanding of proper care and handling procedures.

In addition, central sterile and materials management staff will benefit from an understanding of the necessary care techniques and procedures unique to microsurgical instrumentation, allowing thorough cleaning and careful handling that will result in longer-lasting instruments that provide safety for the patient.

“These programs can be used to equip ophthalmic surgical staff with an appreciation of the delicate nature of microsurgical instrumentation as well as the knowledge needed to extend the life of their instrument sets,” said Chuck Hess, senior director of marketing and sales for surgical instruments, Bausch & Lomb. “Staff members will be encouraged to take ownership in their role of providing instrumentation that is long-lasting and in optimal working condition, ultimately providing more positive surgical outcomes for the patient and better use of expense budgets for the facility.”

One program, “Effective Management of Surgical Instruments,” is designed to teach participants the steps necessary to maintain surgical instrumentation properly including cleaning, lubrication, sterilization preparation, sterile processing, and storage. In addition, participants will complete the program with knowledge of several problem-solving techniques as well as special handling requirements for microsurgical instrumentation, including vitreoretinal instruments and diamond knives.

“Utilization of Ophthalmic Surgical Instruments” is the second available program. Those participating in this program will gain an understanding of ophthalmic surgical instrumentation, including knowledge of approaches used to name surgical instruments and identification of categories of ophthalmic instruments. In addition, participants will be able to recognize characteristics that differentiate ophthalmic instruments of the same type and explain the characteristics of different materials used in production.