The ICO-CBM Phaco Surgeon Training Curriculum CBM in partnership with the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) organized a workshop of international ophthalmic educators and cataract subspecialists who developed this curriculum. The phacoemulsification surgery-related learning objectives of the ICO Residency Curriculum were analyzed and evaluation methods defined for each. Teaching methods for each objective were elaborated upon, and the appropriate learning environments selected. Curricula development has shifted from a task-oriented approach that is particular to each individual institution to a standardized, competency based, education that takes into account the future needs of the public, adult learning principles, contemporary methods.