In the ever-evolving world of technology, live-streaming surgical procedures has become a powerful tool for ophthalmologists to share knowledge, collaborate, and educate fellow professionals and students. By broadcasting your ophthalmology procedures, you can reach a broader audience and make a positive impact on the medical community.

You can use MicroREC optical system to attach your smartphone to your microscope to start streaming.

In this blog post, we’ll explore four reliable platforms to stream your ophthalmology procedures and enhance the learning experience for all involved.

Zoom:

Pros:

— High-quality video: Zoom offers excellent video quality, both on mobile devices and computers (1080p with a paid subscription), ensuring clear visuals during surgical procedures. It is important to pay in advance and ask directly to zoom to improve your image quality up to 1080, otherwise you will have 720p even with the paid version.

— Drawing in the image: The ability to draw on the video during the stream can help highlight important points and enhance the educational aspect of the broadcast.

— Easy to use: Zoom’s user-friendly interface makes it simple for both the surgeon and viewers to join and interact during the live stream.

— Cross-platform compatibility: Zoom works across various devices, including iOS and Android, facilitating broader audience reach and participation.

Cons:

— Time limit on free version: The free version of Zoom imposes a 40-minute time limit for group meetings, which can be a constraint for longer surgical procedures or educational sessions.

— Paid features for higher resolution: Achieving 1080p resolution on computers requires a paid subscription, which might add to the overall cost.

Cisco Webex:

Pros:

— High-quality video: Cisco Webex offers default 1080p resolution for clear and detailed live streaming of ophthalmology procedures.

— Secure and private: The platform is known for its focus on security, making it a preferred choice for sensitive medical broadcasts.

— Cross-platform compatibility: Like Zoom, Cisco Webex is compatible with various devices, enhancing accessibility for a wider audience.

Cons:

— Time limit on free version: The free version of Cisco Webex also imposes a 40-minute time limit for group meetings, which may be a limitation for extended procedures or educational sessions.

Google Meet:

Pros:

— Integrated with Google Workspace: For users already using Google Workspace, Google Meet offers easy integration and a familiar interface.

— Easy to use: Google Meet’s simplicity makes it accessible for users of all levels of technical proficiency.

— Cross-platform compatibility: Google Meet is available on various devices and can be used across different operating systems.

Cons:

— Lower resolution: The default resolution of 320p might not be sufficient for streaming intricate ophthalmology procedures, potentially compromising the educational value of the broadcast.

— Limited time for free meetings: Like the other platforms, Google Meet has a time limit of 40 minutes for group meetings in the free version.

We do not recommend it for your live surgeries.

Facetime:

Pros:

— Seamless integration with iOS: Facetime is readily available on iOS devices, making it convenient for iOS users to participate in live streams.

— Easy to use: As a built-in application, Facetime is simple and intuitive, requiring minimal setup.

Cons:

— Limited to iOS devices: Facetime’s exclusivity to iOS restricts its audience reach, as Android and other users cannot participate in the live stream.

— Limited features: Facetime lacks advanced features compared to dedicated video conferencing platforms, potentially limiting interactive elements during the broadcast.

How to use it: Start your broadcast, share your screen, and go to MicroREC App - it will make your video in the right direction and you can use the settings to improve the image quality. You can check more tips on How to Stream Your Surgeries in Zoom With the Help of MicroREC

In conclusion, while each platform has its advantages and disadvantages, Zoom and Cisco Webex stand out as the top choices for live-streaming ophthalmology procedures. They offer high-quality video, cross-platform compatibility, and additional features that enhance the educational experience for both the surgeon and viewers. However, the choice ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the ophthalmologist and the target audience for the live surgical broadcasts.