Abstract: Objective To explore training patterns for cataract microsurgery in Xizang（Tibet） through the Group-based Medical Aid Program, aiming to enhance the microsurgical skills of ophthalmologists in the Xizang Autonomous Region（XAR）. Design Survey research. Participants 51 ophthalmologists working in Xizang and 5 aid experts. Methods All subjects underwent interviews, and questionnaires were distributed to ophthalmologists in XAR. Participants were grouped based on their ability to independently perform cataract microsurgery, with comparative analysis of training pathways between groups. Main Outcome Measures Learning pathways for cataract microsurgery among XAR ophthalmologists; characteristics of cataract microsurgery in XAR and differences from mainland practices; current status and challenges in cataract microsurgery training in XAR. Results The primary training model for cataract microsurgery in XAR is the traditional “master-apprentice” approach, supplemented by Xizang doctors undergoing training in mainland China and medical experts from other regions providing on-site instruction in XAR. The average learning period for Xizang doctors to independently perform cataract microsurgery was (3.4±0.4) years. Training in mainland China significantly improved surgical skills among Xizang ophthalmologists, the proportion of surgeons in the group capable of performing independent surgeries who underwent training in mainland China (51.9%) was significantly higher than that in the group not yet capable of performing independent surgeries (25.0%) (P=0.05). 63.0% of Xizang ophthalmologists reported feeling most confident in performing small-incision extracapsular cataract extraction, while mastery of phacoemulsification techniques lagged. Conclusion The current cataract microsurgery training model in Tibet is limited and inefficient, requiring urgent improvement.

Key words: Group-based Medical Aid Program/Xizang Autonomous Region, Cataract microsurgery, Training patterns