Abstract: This article reviews the history of the femtosecond laser in ophthalmology and its subsequent introduction into the field of cataract surgery. It discusses the innovations that this technology has brought to the field. The article also describes the current system of teaching cataract surgery to ophthalmology residents in the United States and then examines how femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) can be a beneficial part of residency education.