Support the Center for Microsurgical Innovation and Education (CMIE)
Creating a state-of-the-art training environment for residents, fellows, and physicians at Pacific Vision Eye Institute.
Pacific Vision Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.
Innovation in Training. Excellence in Care.
The Center for Microsurgical Innovation and Education (CMIE) will provide residents, fellows, and physicians with access to advanced simulation technology and educational resources that strengthen surgical skills, improve patient safety, and advance the future of ophthalmic care. Located within the Pacific Vision Eye Institute, CMIE will feature surgical simulators, video review technology, and collaborative learning spaces to create one of the most comprehensive ophthalmic training environments on the West Coast. By investing in surgical education today, you help ensure patients receive safer, more effective care for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Center for Microsurgical Innovation and Education?
The Center for Microsurgical Innovation and Education, or CMIE, is a proposed advanced training facility within the Pacific Vision Eye Institute. It will give residents, fellows, physicians, medical students, and other learners access to surgical simulators, microscopes, video review technology, and collaborative teaching spaces designed to strengthen ophthalmic surgical education.
Why is this project needed?
Ophthalmic surgery requires exceptional precision, judgment, and technical skill. As the population ages and the need for eye care continues to grow, it is increasingly important to train physicians in an environment where they can safely build confidence, practice complex techniques, and learn how to manage complications before entering the operating room.
Who will benefit from CMIE?
CMIE will directly benefit residents and fellows in the CPMC Sutter Ophthalmology Residency program, as well as practicing ophthalmologists seeking to enhance their skills. The center will also support medical students, emergency medicine residents, allied health professionals, community clinicians, and physicians from other countries who are learning foundational ophthalmic techniques.
How will simulation improve patient care?
Simulation allows learners to practice surgical and diagnostic techniques in a risk-free environment. Through repeated practice, real-time feedback, and video review, trainees can strengthen their decision-making, refine their motor skills, and better prepare for real-life clinical and surgical situations. This helps reduce errors, improve confidence, and support safer, more effective patient care.
What types of training will CMIE provide?
The center will support training in the fundamentals of microsurgery, cataract surgery, complication management, and subspecialty surgical techniques in areas such as retina, cornea, ocular plastics, glaucoma, and pediatric ophthalmology. It will also provide opportunities to learn important diagnostic and laser procedures using advanced simulation technology.
What equipment will be included?
The proposed center will include four microscope workstations with real-time video monitoring and recording capabilities. It will also feature advanced Eyesi simulation technology, including surgical, slit lamp, and indirect ophthalmoscope simulators. An Eyesi ROP Simulator is also on the wish list to support specialized training in retinopathy of prematurity and newborn eye examinations.
What makes this project distinctive?
CMIE is designed to be one of the most comprehensive ophthalmic training environments on the West Coast. By combining simulation, video-based teaching, faculty feedback, and collaborative learning spaces, the center will create a modern educational ecosystem focused on technical excellence, patient safety, and continuous improvement.
Is my donation secure?
Yes. Your security and privacy is our highest priority. We use industry-standard SSL technology to keep your information safe and secure.
Will I receive a tax receipt?
Yes. Pacific Vision Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law, and donors will receive a receipt for their contribution.
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