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Eye surgery video and audio streaming in the year 2020

Jack Komro, Thomas Harvey

Objective: To create an affordable set-up for the live streaming of ophthalmic microsurgery as a proof-of-concept and to review related literature.

Methods: Fifty surgeries, principally phacoemulsification during the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, were captured using Open Broadcaster Software and a low budget audiovisual set-up. All were assessed for video clarity and audio quality by the host. A thorough review of surgical streaming for medical education was performed.

Results: Fewer than 10% of streams experienced video difficulties, while the majority had unacceptable audio quality for teaching purposes. A steep learning curve for the host was noted, as adjustments to the set-up required significant trial and error. An interactive stream required the full attention of the host, who was always on site. Limited research has been published on live streaming of surgeries, and there have been none in ophthalmology space.

Conclusion: Live streaming of ophthalmic microsurgery is in its infancy, but it is possible with a relatively small budget. This will have the potential to complement in-person surgical training, surgical coaching, proficiency certification, and family education with reach anywhere that there is internet.