How many cataract operations before an ophthalmologist can be considered experienced?

Variable amount: Cataract surgery is a skill that is learned as a resident doctor in an ophthalmology residency program. The amount of surgical experience varies greatly as well as the learning curve of the eye surgeon. In general, the more successful surgery the doctor performs, the more reliable and predictable are the results. Most eye md's have sufficient experience to perform safe, routine surgery.

Depends.: Residency programs are required to provide a certain number of cataract surgeries to each resident by the end of the training period. This is designed to insure a certain level of competence, particularly for board certification. Fellowship training occurs after residency and adds to experience. Once in practice, another level of learning occurs. Diversity of experience is important too.