Simulated strabismus surgery—a practical and interactive demonstration of novel simulation techniques

Abstract

To demonstrate how the safety of strabismus surgical training can be enhanced by the use of novel simulation techniques, using life-like silicone model eyes. Ophthalmologists involved with teaching strabismus surgery and surgical trainees. Patient safety should be our principle concern when teaching any form of surgery. However, very few training programs provide any form of strabismus surgery simulation. This means surgical trainees may not have developed core surgical skills, such as rectus muscle and scleral suturing techniques, before operating on patients. A simulation program, using life-like silicone eyes, to teach basic suturing techniques before moving on to performing recession / resection techniques, inferior oblique surgery and then the use of adjustable sutures. Trainees are required to have performed at least 5 complete rectus muscle procedures satisfactorily, before being allowed to operate on patients. All delegates will be aware of the potential benefits of simulation training for patients, trainees and trainers and will have observed live demonstrations of rectus muscle and oblique muscle surgery on the model eyes. They will also have learnt how to incorporate surgical simulation into their training programs or practices. Introductory lectures (40 minutes), live strabismus surgery demonstration, by leading surgeons from the USA and UK (20 minutes), Q&A session (15 minutes). This workshop will demonstrate how strabismus surgical simulation, using life-like model eyes, can enhance patient safety and the quality of surgical training. The combination of lectures, live surgical demonstrations, followed by a Q&A session, will we hope be conducive to an educational and interactive workshop.