A novel method for teaching key steps of strabismus surgery in the wet lab

The surgical laboratory environment plays an important role in modern surgical education. Learning how to complete the key steps of strabismus surgery prior to actual surgery may enhance efficiency and sensitize the surgeon to potential complications. Cadaveric extraocular muscle is difficult to manipulate and specimens are not readily available; therefore, an alternative is needed to teach strabismus surgery techniques. We developed a wet lab to practice the key steps of strabismus surgery using commercially available bacon as an extraocular muscle substitute and cadaveric pig eyes for conjunctival and scleral tissue in a framework of peer teaching, expert supervision, and validated written feedback.