A ‘WORLD-first’ virtual reality eye retrieval programme is being used in Barnsley to create more sight-saving transplants for local people.
The full learning package includes a 180-degree stereoscopic film experience of a real-life eye retrieval, a 360-degree mortuary tour and a hands-on retrieval simulation using dummy heads, simulation/ eyes/ and responsive feedback controls.
The/ virtual reality/ programme is thought to be the first of its kind globally.
It means that eye retrievers at NHS Blood and Transplant’s (NHSBT) Blood Centre, based in Dodworth, can be trained in half the time - 12 weeks compared to six months.
Trainees will now also get their/ first experience of a mortuary environment and eye retrieval via the/ programme,/ giving the best possible preparation for retrievals./ /
There are currently/ more than/ 3,500/ people waiting for a cornea transplant/ in/ England./
Corneal/ transplants can/ help/ restore the sight of patients with a variety of conditions./
Claire Price, national/ tissue/ retrieval manager at NHS Blood and Transplant’s Tissue and Eye Services, says:/ “We’re/ extremely proud to have created/ what is thought to be the/ world’s/ first/ blended eye retrieval/ programme/ that incorporates virtual reality.
“Eye retrieval is an intricate,/ intimate/ and delicate process/ that takes some time to learn but/ through/ this training module,/ we can train new staff in Barnsley to become highly skilled eye retrieval specialists more quickly.
“This increases staff capacity and helps make/ sure there are more/ corneas available for transplant for those people who/ need them./
“The training modules will give our/ eye retrievers/ the opportunity to learn in an engaging,/ informative/ and realistic/ way, giving them the skills and confidence they need from their very first retrieval./
“This/ programme/ shows that NHS Blood and Transplant/ continues/ to be/ at the forefront of innovation and we’re proud to have developed a tool that will benefit/ our incredible donors, recipients and our Tissue and Eye team.”/
Barnsley is one of four areas to receive the new programme, with the others based in London, Liverpool and Bristol.
The Barnsley centre was created after the consolidation of centres in Leeds and Sheffield and provides lifesaving blood products to 39 hospitals in the north of England.
The centre, just off the M1, enables the NHS to distribute blood products and deliver world class laboratory services as well as offer the opportunity to create new advanced cell therapies, supporting NHS patients across the north of England.
Paul Ladley, digital learning manager at NHSBT, added: “This project/ is/ a/ fantastic example of what digital learning can do.
“It uses/ VR and immersive filming technologies to put learners into a first-person viewpoint and to also be able to virtually visit difficult to access locations.
“The mix of technologies and other blended aspects of the/ programme/ enable learners to experience the role of/ eye/ retriever in a flexible and scalable manner.”/ / /
The virtual reality training/ package/ has been completed by/ more than 60 eye retrievers. /
“The package is available for/ all staff who retrieve eyes for NHS Blood and Transplant.”
