In a first for the Australia-Pacific region, Dr Gunn performed LASIK surgery in July while looking at a high-definition 3D display, wearing polarized 3D glasses to perceive depth. While the system allowed for a more comfortable operating position for the doctor, it also minimised light exposure to the patient’s eye.
A bonus is the extra scope the technology gives for teaching. Because everyone in the operating theatre sees the same large 3D image on screen, not just the surgeon who looks through a traditional eyepiece, everyone in the room can follow the procedure in real time.
“The stereoscopic detail is remarkable, the ergonomics are far better, and everyone in theatre sees exactly what the surgeon sees,” Dr Gunn said. “It was the first time our theatre staff had watched LASIK in stereoscopic 3D.”
A month later Dr Gunn broke another record, performing what is believed to be Australia’s first CAIRS procedures using Apple Vision Pro at South Brisbane Day Hospital. The Apple Vision Pro is a headset which gives the wearer access to digital files and programs with simple eye movements, voice commands or hand gestures in the air.
While wearing the Apple Vision Pro headset, Dr Gunn could see both a live, 3D display of the patient’s eye and the customised map he’d designed using CAIRS Plan for inserting segments to treat keratoconus.
“The headset let me position and resize the operative view while keeping my surgical plan beside it. It kept the patient’s unique topography, segment plan and surgical history all visible during surgery. Passthrough kept the instruments, theatre team and surrounding environment clearly in view.”
“Mid-surgery, while still scrubbed, I was able to review the outcome for the first eye, then update the surgical plan immediately. Previously, that would have meant un-scrubbing, finding a laptop and searching the patient’s notes.”
“We’re excited to be part of this technological progress.”
