Opening the Door to Surgical Excellence: New Ophthalmology Wet Lab Empowers Residency Training in Mongolia
Laurel Surgical Foundation (LSF), in partnership with First Central Hospital in Ulaanbaatar, proudly announced the opening of Mongolia’s first ophthalmology residency wet lab—a groundbreaking step forward in surgical education. Until now, ophthalmology residents in Mongolia had no dedicated space or equipment to practice surgical skills before operating on real patients. With this new wet lab, every ophthalmology resident in the country can now train in a professional, hands-on environment that mirrors real surgical conditions, making patient care safer and surgical skills stronger.
Why a Wet Lab is a Game-Changer for Residency Training
A wet lab is more than a training room. It’s a controlled space where residents develop the fine motor skills, precision, and confidence essential for eye surgery. Here, residents can repeatedly practice critical procedures such as cataract extraction, suturing, intraocular lens implantation, and microsurgical techniques without the pressure of a live operating room.
One of the most valuable tools in this process is the use of pig eyes, which closely mimic the anatomy, texture, and resistance of a human eye. This tactile realism allows residents to experience exactly how tissues respond to surgical instruments, giving them a true-to-life sense of depth, tension, and fragility. Pig eye practice is considered one of the best strategies for learning eye surgery, because it provides the same physical feedback a surgeon will feel during actual procedures—something no virtual simulation can fully replicate.
LSF’s Leadership in Establishing Mongolia’s First Wet Lab
Laurel Surgical Foundation has been deeply invested in sustainable ophthalmology residency training in Mongolia, ensuring that local ophthalmologists have the skills and confidence to serve their communities. Seeing the need for a dedicated space to learn and make mistakes safely, LSF led the initiative to design, equip, and open this first-of-its-kind wet lab the at First Central Hospital.
This facility is open to all ophthalmology residents in Mongolia, regardless of their hospital affiliation. By combining hands-on wet lab training with expert mentorship, LSF is helping Mongolia’s next generation of eye surgeons graduate with the competence and readiness to operate to international standards.
A Lasting Investment in Sight and Skills
The impact of this wet lab will ripple far beyond Ulaanbaatar. Every resident who trains here will carry their skills into urban hospitals and rural clinics, delivering sight-saving surgeries with precision and confidence. The ability to practice repeatedly on realistic models like pig eyes ensures that by the time residents step into a real operating room, they are not just technically capable. They are experienced, steady, and ready to give every patient the best possible chance at restored vision.
This project represents what is possible when international partnership, local dedication, and a shared vision for the future come together. Thanks to the Laurel Surgical Foundation, Mongolia now has a permanent training ground where ophthalmology residents can perfect their skills, preserve sight, and change lives—one surgery at a time.