AIM: To evaluate the utility of a 3D digital visualization system during complex ophthalmic surgery in a private hospital setting in Australia.

METHODS: The SeeLuma system was introduced to the Eye Clinic at the Mater Private Hospital Redlands, Australia, which serves a large regional population and provides a full-time ophthalmic theater. Observational data were collected on procedures using the system, assessing visualization quality, surgeon posture, workflow efficiency, and teaching opportunities.

RESULTS: The 3D visualization system provided excellent depth of focus and peripheral visualization, without the need for intraoperative refocusing. Complex surgeries that benefited from the system included cases with small pupils, zonular weaknesses, and sutured lenses, during procedures such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, red-free cataract surgery, Preserflo glaucoma microshunt implantation, manual small-incision cataract surgery, and traumatic cataract surgery. Surgeons reported a neutral head and neck position when using the C-shape arm, minimizing musculoskeletal strain, which is a common complaint for ophthalmologists. Staff noted intuitive setup, and that the large monitor facilitated an optimal viewpoint for the whole multidisciplinary operating team without crowding. Teaching was enhanced through high-quality annotation and recording, and further exploration of 3D recording is planned.

CONCLUSION: Implementation of a 3D visualization system in a private hospital setting was associated with excellent visualization during complex surgery. Benefits in ergonomics, workflow, and teaching were also noted. These findings suggest that 3D digital visualization systems may be beneficial for ophthalmic surgical teams performing complex surgeries in similar clinical environments.