Kim Hsu
DVM, MSc, DACVO
How to become a two-handed cataract surgeon: tools for transitioning from one-handed cataract surgery
Despite access to contemporary phacoemulsification technology and a strong shift to two-handed nucleofractis techniques in human medicine, a one-handed, single incision approach has persisted among Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. The perpetuation of techniques such as bowl-sculpting and one-handed phacoemulsification in veterinary medicine is multifactorial. In this session, we will review the history of cataract surgery, discuss the benefits of nucleofractis, and outline common two-handed techniques. The argument for two-handed phacoemulsification techniques includes reduction in ultrasound-induced damage, and minimizing capsular and zonular stress in complex cases. Tips and tools for veterinary ophthalmologists wishing to learn two-handed techniques will be presented. We will discuss appropriate instrumention as well as techniques for globe exposure, sideport incision, and hydrodissection. Skill progressions and optimization of phaco machine settings will also be reviewed.
Dr. Kim Hsu is a graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Canada. She completed a small animal internship at the Royal Veterinary College in the UK and an Ophthalmology residency at Eye Care for Animals the Chicago area. Dr. Hsu has a passion for cataract and retinal surgeries. Since finishing her residency in 2016, Dr. Hsu has continued to learn by shadowing MD ophthalmologists, attending AAO conferences, participating in wet labs, and following cataractcoach.com. In 2024, Dr. Hsu co-authored “The argument for two-handed cataract surgery in veterinary ophthalmology”, published in Veterinary Ophthalmology. After a decade in the US, Dr. Hsu recently moved back to Canada to launch True North Veterinary Eye Care, Manitoba’s first companion animal specialty practice. She hopes that True North will pave the way for multi-specialty care in Manitoba. Outside of work, Dr. Hsu enjoys riding he Peloton, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with family. Dr. Hsu and her husband share their home with their three children, a fluffy white dog named Molly and a big orange cat named Mac.
