{"id":19813,"date":"2021-06-23T18:19:54","date_gmt":"2021-06-23T23:19:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/?p=19813"},"modified":"2021-06-23T18:19:54","modified_gmt":"2021-06-23T23:19:54","slug":"training-at-the-tip-of-the-spear-the-evolution-of-alcons-digital-training-initiatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/training-at-the-tip-of-the-spear-the-evolution-of-alcons-digital-training-initiatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Training at the Tip of the Spear: The Evolution of Alcon\u2019s Digital Training Initiatives"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>This case study focuses on the efforts of Elara Systems, Inc., and Alcon to create a robust virtual reality (VR) training experience for eye care professionals. Elara Systems is a creative studio located in Sacramento, CA, specializing in 3-D animation and XR development. Alcon is a global leader in eye care, offering surgical and vision care products that touch the lives of more than 260 million people in 140-plus countries each year living with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, and refractive errors.<\/p>\n<p>When Alcon\u2019s quest to always be at the front of the pack in utilizing emergent technologies met with Elara\u2019s drive for constant expansion of its capabilities, an evolutionary process occurred. In this case study, we observe the evolution of how Elara went from creating simple 3-D models and animations for Alcon all the way to developing a robust VR training and interactive product education and demonstration library.<\/p>\n<h2>Humble Beginnings<\/h2>\n<p>Elara started working with Alcon in 2009 creating 3-D animation highlighting the benefits and effectiveness of one of its contact lens solutions. The animation was a success and, in 2010, was followed by a project commissioned by Rustin Floyd, who is currently the global director, head of Healthcare Professional Training and Education at Alcon.<\/p>\n<p>Rustin Floyd wanted Elara to create a 3-D animation highlighting the benefits of the Alcon WaveLight Refractive Suite (a collection of equipment for use in laser vision correction).\u00a0 One thing that stood out for Rustin Floyd was the fact that the people he showed the animation to actually thought it was a video due to the photorealistic quality of the piece. This inspired Alcon and Elara to ideate around creating even more compelling visual content.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-19815\" src=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/2.-Final_Alcon_Wavelength_welcomeScreen_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Training at the Tip of the Spear\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/2.-Final_Alcon_Wavelength_welcomeScreen_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/2.-Final_Alcon_Wavelength_welcomeScreen_Attributed_B-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/2.-Final_Alcon_Wavelength_welcomeScreen_Attributed_B-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/2.-Final_Alcon_Wavelength_welcomeScreen_Attributed_B-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/2.-Final_Alcon_Wavelength_welcomeScreen_Attributed_B.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Rustin Floyd is a proponent of emergent technology, and several years after the WaveLight project, he reached out to Elara to create a VR piece that would take a viewer inside of the eye to see anatomy and physiology that cannot be seen without an invasive procedure. The resultant project was the Alcon Virtual Eye Experience.<\/p>\n<p>As Rustin Floyd notes, \u201cIt\u2019s one thing to teach about the eye and how it works\u2026it\u2019s another thing to stand <em>inside <\/em>the eye and teach how it works.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The challenge of the Virtual Eye Experience was to engage and educate eye care professionals in a compelling way, unique to ophthalmology.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-19816\" src=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3.-Elara_CME_VR_04A_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Training at the Tip of the Spear\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3.-Elara_CME_VR_04A_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3.-Elara_CME_VR_04A_Attributed_B-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3.-Elara_CME_VR_04A_Attributed_B-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3.-Elara_CME_VR_04A_Attributed_B-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/3.-Elara_CME_VR_04A_Attributed_B.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Going Live<\/h2>\n<p>After approximately four months of development, the Alcon Virtual Eye Experience was ready to show at the annual congress of the American Association of Ophthalmology (AAO) held in New Orleans in late 2017. AAO is a worldwide gathering of ophthalmologists and companies that provide medical devices, equipment, and support for the industry. Needless to say, this event was a big deal for Elara and Alcon.<\/p>\n<p>The primary purpose behind debuting VR at AAO was to attract ophthalmologists and other potential customers to Alcon\u2019s booth, to showcase Alcon\u2019s commitment to training and education through the novel approach of virtual reality\u2014a technology new to the ophthalmic space. Alcon designed free-standing VR kiosks where multiple VR headsets were stationed so attendees could view the Virtual Eye Experience.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-19817\" src=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/4.-Final_AAOphth-New-Orleans_Booth_121_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Training at the Tip of the Spear\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/4.-Final_AAOphth-New-Orleans_Booth_121_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/4.-Final_AAOphth-New-Orleans_Booth_121_Attributed_B-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/4.-Final_AAOphth-New-Orleans_Booth_121_Attributed_B-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/4.-Final_AAOphth-New-Orleans_Booth_121_Attributed_B-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/4.-Final_AAOphth-New-Orleans_Booth_121_Attributed_B.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Alcon booth was well-received, with lines of attendees queued up to view the Virtual Eye Experience. As the trade show progressed and more physicians were journeying through the eye, there was a realization that while the Virtual Eye Experience was captivating, the functionality of the experience could be even better. Specifically, there was an opportunity to help facilitate users\u2019 engagement with the interactions while in the experience, bringing interactive elements directly to their hand controllers. Throughout the trade show, Rustin Floyd and Elara were diligently collecting feedback and then conceptualizing ways to improve the experience, ultimately making it more impactful and engaging for their customers.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-19818\" src=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/5.-Final_IMG_4020_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Training at the Tip of the Spear\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/5.-Final_IMG_4020_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/5.-Final_IMG_4020_Attributed_B-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/5.-Final_IMG_4020_Attributed_B-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/5.-Final_IMG_4020_Attributed_B-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/5.-Final_IMG_4020_Attributed_B.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The success of the Virtual Eye Experience opened the doors to further VR development at Alcon, as the company was looking beyond a simple splash at a trade show. Working collaboratively, Elara and Alcon came up with numerous other applications for the technology.<\/p>\n<h2>Leveraging Content: Other Uses of VR and 3-D Assets<\/h2>\n<p>On the Vision Care side of Alcon\u2019s business, Tyler Snyder, the global director of Commercial Development in Alcon\u2019s Vision Care Franchise knew that his sales team, and the optometrists they visited, were weary of going through PowerPoint presentations on an iPad to go over new products and technologies. To enhance the sales experience, Snyder launched a fleet of Oculus Go\u2019s to his sales team so they could put their customers into VR to view experiences featuring Alcon\u2019s products. The roll-out of this program was met with enthusiasm from his sales team and the optometrists who viewed the presentations.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-19819\" src=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/6.-Final_CME_VR_04C_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Training at the Tip of the Spear\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/6.-Final_CME_VR_04C_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/6.-Final_CME_VR_04C_Attributed_B-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/6.-Final_CME_VR_04C_Attributed_B-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/6.-Final_CME_VR_04C_Attributed_B-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/6.-Final_CME_VR_04C_Attributed_B.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alcon transformed its trade shows onto virtual, Web-based platforms. Utilizing Elara\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/elarasystems.com\/xr-solutions\/docent\/\">Docent technology,<\/a> 3-D models taken from a VR product presentation that was in development were placed into a Web-accessible 3-D operating room environment. Attendees could view the equipment from their computers or tablets and move around the virtual 3-D space using their mouse pad. Additionally, they could be joined by Alcon sales representatives using a Web-based real-time communication platform similar to Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The Alcon representative could go over the product\u2019s features and benefits and also provide training tips on how to utilize the devices.<\/p>\n<p>Alcon\u2019s willingness to explore new methods of communication and engagement is summed up succinctly by Rustin Floyd, \u201cOne of the challenges of a medical device company is finding technology to educate our healthcare professionals in a way that is as sophisticated, and as engaging, as the medical devices themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As the depth and breadth of Alcon\u2019s digital education library continued to expand, it became clear to Elara and Alcon that reusing previously created models and environments created efficiencies that drove down price and development time. This allowed for the production of more innovative VR applications while keeping prices within reason. This allowed for even more innovation into immersive training.<\/p>\n<h2>Let\u2019s Start Training<\/h2>\n<p>Elara and Alcon realized that the immersive nature of VR made it ideal for learning and training.\u00a0 As Rustin Floyd points out, \u201cThere is no other training and education medium, outside of hands-on experience, that immerses and engages the audience like virtual reality does. There are no distractions, no multi-tasking; the viewer is completely enveloped in the learning environment.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-19820\" src=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/7.-Fianl_AAOphth-New-Orleans_Booth_167-800x450_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Training at the Tip of the Spear\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/7.-Fianl_AAOphth-New-Orleans_Booth_167-800x450_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/7.-Fianl_AAOphth-New-Orleans_Booth_167-800x450_Attributed_B-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/7.-Fianl_AAOphth-New-Orleans_Booth_167-800x450_Attributed_B-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/7.-Fianl_AAOphth-New-Orleans_Booth_167-800x450_Attributed_B-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/7.-Fianl_AAOphth-New-Orleans_Booth_167-800x450_Attributed_B.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Early on, Elara developed an eye anatomy and physiology trainer to help Alcon associates learn more about the eye itself. Elara was able to incorporate 3-D models developed for use in the Virtual Eye Experience and employ them in the training application. This helped reduce cost and production time because the entire experience was not built from scratch.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-19821\" src=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/8.-Final_AAO-2018-IMG_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Training at the Tip of the Spear\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/8.-Final_AAO-2018-IMG_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/8.-Final_AAO-2018-IMG_Attributed_B-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/8.-Final_AAO-2018-IMG_Attributed_B-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/8.-Final_AAO-2018-IMG_Attributed_B-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/8.-Final_AAO-2018-IMG_Attributed_B.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>New Alcon products continued to be regularly featured in VR experiences at trade shows. However, there was a continued ask from ophthalmologists: They wanted more content relating to surgical training in VR. At the next AAO annual congress in Chicago, in 2018, Alcon had multiple VR kiosks featuring surgical case studies\u2014filmed in 360-degree video\u2014that could be viewed by surgeons. Many surgeons spent exceedingly long periods of time watching the surgeries.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-19822\" src=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/9.-Final_AAO-2018-IMG_2487_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Training at the Tip of the Spear\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/9.-Final_AAO-2018-IMG_2487_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/9.-Final_AAO-2018-IMG_2487_Attributed_B-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/9.-Final_AAO-2018-IMG_2487_Attributed_B-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/9.-Final_AAO-2018-IMG_2487_Attributed_B-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/9.-Final_AAO-2018-IMG_2487_Attributed_B.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Based on the level of interest among surgeons for more surgical training, Alcon commissioned the creation of the Virtual Surgical Site Visit. To create this experience, the Elara team and a 360-degree video crew went to a leading eye institute. They filmed multiple surgeries performed by a leading U.S. ophthalmologist. In addition to being able to be virtually inside the operating room, viewers could watch the surgery from multiple angles and on multiple display screens while learning key insights from the case studies.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-19823\" src=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/10.-Elara_CME_VR_01B_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Training at the Tip of the Spear\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/10.-Elara_CME_VR_01B_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/10.-Elara_CME_VR_01B_Attributed_B-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/10.-Elara_CME_VR_01B_Attributed_B-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/10.-Elara_CME_VR_01B_Attributed_B-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/10.-Elara_CME_VR_01B_Attributed_B.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Despite the success of the surgical training experiences, there was one persistent ask from all of the surgeons: They wanted to be able to practice surgery in VR. They also wanted the force-feedback enabled by haptic technology so they could hold a device in their hand and feel as if they were actually performing a real cataract surgery. It\u2019s quite possible that surgical simulation could be the next frontier Alcon and Elara explore.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-19824\" src=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/11.-Final_CME_VR_01A_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"Training at the Tip of the Spear\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/11.-Final_CME_VR_01A_Attributed_B-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/11.-Final_CME_VR_01A_Attributed_B-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/11.-Final_CME_VR_01A_Attributed_B-696x392.jpg 696w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/11.-Final_CME_VR_01A_Attributed_B-747x420.jpg 747w, https:\/\/trainingmag.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/11.-Final_CME_VR_01A_Attributed_B.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Key Elements<\/h2>\n<p>The relationship that exists between Elara and Alcon is not necessarily unique, but it requires several key elements in order to evolve. First, the ability to collaborate is essential. The free-flowing exchange of ideas and feedback between the two teams is fundamental to success. Both parties need to be able to talk to each other without reservation, allowing the best ideas to rise to the surface.<\/p>\n<p>Leveraging analytics to measure success was the key element of evolutionary growth driving future projects. Key performance indicators (KPIs) throughout the projects continued to evolve\u2014from collecting data on the amount of time spent in VR to the total impressions gathered from the viewers. The more complex the project gets, the more advanced the KPIs.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, a key part of Elara and Alcon\u2019s collective success in VR was dependent on having strong and determined internal advocates within the organization. It is important to have tech-forward advocates, like Rustin Rustin Floyd and Tyler Snyder at Alcon, to help drive VR initiatives.<\/p>\n<p>Looking back on the journey, Rustin Floyd notes, \u201cBy allowing our customers to experience Alcon\u2019s innovative technology\u2014whether in person at one of our Alcon Experience Centers or virtually through our VR technology\u2014this can help eye care professionals have more confidence in our products while helping us deliver on our mission of helping people See Brilliantly.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This case study explores how Elara Systems, Inc., went from creating simple 3-D models and animations for Alcon all the way to developing a robust VR training and interactive product education and demonstration library.    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1945,"featured_media":19814,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[11,12],"tags":[16],"class_list":{"0":"post-19813","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-featured","8":"category-magazine","9":"tag-feature","10":"magazine_issues-june-2021"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.2 (Yoast SEO v25.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Training at the Tip of the Spear: The Evolution of Alcon\u2019s Digital Training Initiatives<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This case study explores how Elara Systems, Inc., went from creating simple 3-D models and animations for Alcon all the way to developing a robust VR training and interactive product 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