The Pocket Strabismus Surgical Skills Trainer: design and validation

Synthetic models for strabismus surgery have the potential to enhance training without the complexities of biologic material. Models described to date are relatively large and costly, potentially limiting access. We set out to design and validate a handheld surgical strabismus trainer.

Utilizing a silicone mold and 3D printer, we developed a 6.25 × 4.5 × 2.5 cm model, the "Pocket Strabismus Surgical Skills Trainer," optimized for practicing essential steps of strabismus surgery, including securing the muscle, scleral passes, and conjunctival closure. The materials required to print each model cost less than US $30. We surveyed participants across three ophthalmology training programs who participated in two workshops. Perceptions were assessed with an anonymous Likert scale questionnaire.

Thirty trainees and 6 faculty completed the survey. All participants reported that the pocket simulator had easy open/close, setup, and storage (P = 0.003). The appearance of the eyeball, sclera, and rectus muscles was felt to be sufficiently reproduced among the majority of participants (97%, 86%, and 81%, resp. [P = 0.001]). Most participants agreed that the sclera/extraocular muscles felt realistic (77%/81% [P = 0.005]) and modeled real practice (92%/100% [P = 0.002]).

Trainee and faculty perceptions of the Pocket Strabismus Surgical Skills Trainer reflected ease of use, realistic critical ocular tissue structures, and a design that facilitates practice of key surgical steps. These results support our goal to provide a low-cost model that will broaden hands-on strabismus surgical training.