Colindale NHS centre uses VR to boost cornea transplants
New virtual reality training programme at NHS Blood and Transplant's Colindale centre aims to speed up staff development.
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From the archive. This story was written up on 29 July 2026 from reporting first published on 29 April 2026, which is the date shown above. We took up the back catalogue of the local titles we read when this site launched, so the events are older than the page.
NHS Blood and Transplant has introduced a virtual reality (VR) eye retrieval training programme at its facility in Colindale, London. This pioneering initiative is designed to enhance the number of corneas available for transplantation across the United Kingdom by substantially reducing the time required to train staff responsible for eye retrieval.
Reducing Training Time
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The new VR programme is part of a broader, four-module learning approach that combines immersive digital experiences with practical simulations. This includes a 180-degree film of an actual eye retrieval, a virtual tour of a mortuary, and hands-on practice with dummy heads and artificial eyes. This method allows trainees to familiarise themselves with the mortuary environment virtually before their first real-world experience, fostering greater confidence and skill development. As reported by the Barnet & Potters Bar Times, the training period has been cut from six months to just 12 weeks.
“We're extremely proud to have created what is thought to be the world's first blended eye retrieval programme that incorporates virtual reality.”
Claire Price, national tissue retrieval manager at NHS Blood and Transplant
Claire Price, national tissue retrieval manager at NHS Blood and Transplant, expressed pride in the programme, stating that it enables new staff at the Colindale Centre to become highly skilled eye retrieval specialists more rapidly. This increased capacity is crucial given that over 3,500 people in England are currently awaiting a cornea transplant. The VR training package has been successfully completed by more than 60 eye retrievers and is accessible to all staff involved in eye retrieval for the organisation.
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Innovation in Digital Learning
Paul Ladley, digital learning manager at NHS Blood and Transplant, highlighted the project as a prime example of digital learning's potential. He noted that the use of VR and immersive filming places learners in a first-person perspective and allows virtual access to otherwise hard-to-reach locations. This blend of technologies offers a flexible and scalable way for learners to experience the role of an eye retriever. NHS Blood and Transplant also operates eye retrieval teams in Speke, Filton, and Barnsley, in addition to its Colindale site.
Questions this report answers
+How does the VR training help with cornea transplants?
The VR programme halves training time for staff from six months to 12 weeks, allowing them to qualify faster. This increases the number of trained eye retrievers available to collect corneas, directly addressing the shortage for over 3,500 people waiting for transplants.
+What does the VR training involve?
The training includes a 180-degree film of an eye retrieval, a virtual mortuary tour, and hands-on practice with dummy heads and artificial eyes. This immersive approach builds confidence by letting trainees experience the process virtually before real-world practice.
+How many people have completed the VR training so far?
More than 60 eye retrievers have already finished the VR training package. This shows the programme is already delivering results, with staff becoming skilled eye retrieval specialists more quickly than before.
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