A newly appointed consultant has completed rigorous training and met national competency standards. However, like all procedural specialists, skill continues to develop with experience.
Research shows that cataract surgery has a measurable learning curve, with complication rates generally decreasing as surgeons gain further experience beyond training¹. This does not mean newly appointed consultants are unsafe — rather, it reflects the refinement that comes with repetition over time.
New consultants typically:
- Have performed hundreds of supervised operations
- Understand complication management
- Work within supportive teams and audit systems
More experienced consultants, however, are often better equipped to handle unusual anatomy, complex cases, or unexpected challenges — simply because they have encountered them before.
For patients, this distinction matters. A newly appointed consultant is qualified and competent. An experienced consultant brings additional depth gained from years of practice.
Both operate within the same professional standards and accountability frameworks. Experience enhances judgement, but qualification ensures safety.
References
- Narendran N, Jaycock P, Johnston RL, et al. Risk stratification for posterior capsule rupture in cataract surgery. Eye (London). 2009;23(1):31–37.
- Ericsson KA. Deliberate practice and acquisition of expert performance. Psychological Review. 1993;100(3):363–406.
