Similar to any educational process, surgical teaching should follow a methodology that can be reproduced and compared. In accordance with scientific methodology, goals should be established and results measured with the use of progress indicators and complication rates as evaluation elements.Teaching strategies may differ; however, methodologies must be standardized rather than different instructors teaching in different ways based on what they feel is best (1,2) . In 2004, the Federal University of São Paulo established a teaching methodology we termed, "backward, " as teaching institutions in Japan were using a similar instructional model. The term "backward" refers to the idea that complications at the end of surgery are less morbid than those occurring at the beginning of surgery. In 2007, this methodology was successfully introduced at the teaching hospital, Santa Casa de São Paulo, leading to a decrease in the number of documented complications.The "backward" methodology involves dividing surgery into five stages: the instructor performs the first four stages and the student performs the last stage. As the student gains mastery of the last stage, successfully completing at least five procedures, the student is then allowed to move backward and gradually assume responsibility for the performance of earlier stages in a retrograde manner. It is important that all procedures are documented in a control logbook. In 2008, a group of doctors with an interest in cataract surgery teaching improved the method and attempted to extend it to residency programs affiliated with the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology in collaboration with a pharmaceutical company (3) . Although all stakeholders had an interest in the project, demands on time, people, and costs requirements prevented the maintenance of this project.First-year residents are exposed to theoretical and some practical experience in cataract surgery. The largest acquisition of competence occurs in the second year, and residents continue to refine their skills and gain confidence in the third year. Students wishing to advance in the field of ophthalmology can specialize in cataract surgery, gain experience of more complex cases, and pursue fellowship programs.The balance between quantity and quality presents a substantial dilemma. The best synopsis is the completion of a large quantity of quality procedures; however, if I had to pick one, it would be the latter. As in sports activity, improvement comes with repetition, and proper guidance shortens the learning curve, avoids the development of poor habits, minimizes complications, and saves resources. However, providing an environment that ensures both quantity and quality is challenging, particularly when considering that the main teaching theaters in Brazil are in academic centers, supported by a public service structure. Resources are often lacking, leading to an inadequate supply of good quality equipment and materials. Further, funding aimed at ensuring the presence of qualified instructors in a 1:1 teaching...