Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for operating a surgical console and/or a device attached to the surgical console, and embodiment of the method comprising the steps of: enabling a voice command channel at the surgical console; receiving a voice command trigger; receiving a voice command; confirming the voice command; and causing the surgical console to execute one or more actions associated with the voice command. The surgical console may include a microprocessor, memory, procedural recorder, a user interface and interface(s) through which peripheral devices couple to the console. The microprocessor may direct operations of the surgical console and of peripheral devices that couple to the surgical console. The memory in addition to containing instructions which the microprocessor uses to direct the operation of the surgical console and peripheral devices may also store recorded surgical procedures.