Training Programs

Laser Safety

The major danger of laser light is hazards from beams entering the eye, as the eye is the organ most sensitive to light. A laser beam with low divergence entering the eye can be focused down to an area of ~20 microns in diameter and the energy of the laser beam can be intensified up to 100,000 times. For example, if the irradiance entering the eye is 1 mW/cm2, the irradiance at the retina could be as high as 100 W/cm2. Therefore, even a low power laser can cause severe injury if focused directly onto the retina. View the basics of laser safety.

Laser Certification Course Online

It is the policy of the Massachusetts General Hospital that all medical staff utilizing the laser for any procedure must be credentialed. The credentialing process must be followed for each type (wavelength) of laser for which privileges are requested. Medical staff who do not comply with credentialing procedure will not be allowed to operate lasers in the OR, labs or clinics at MGH.

Credentialing Procedure

1. Documentation of attendance at an approved didactic course on Laser Therapy that addresses laser safety, as well as specific laser wavelength training. The Laser Institute of America offers courses throughout the year on laser safety training. The MGH Laser Center also offers a course on Laser Safety.
2. Perform three procedures with a physician preceptor, for each type of laser (wavelength) used.
3. Complete and submit the Application for Laser Credentials to Dr. R. Rox Anderson (download form).
4. A baseline fundoscopic eye examination that notes apparent pre-existing abnormalities is required.