Evaluation of a novel multi-purpose ophthalmic block simulator amongst ophthalmology trainees

Training to perform ophthalmic blocks is often done on actual patients by trial and error. Higher complication rates and poor patient experience occur from suboptimal blocks. We assess the efficacy of a novel ophthalmic block simulator via a pilot study. The production process involved 3D-printing and improvisation with readily available materials that provided excellent reproducibility of a real-life experience. A prospective pilot study on ophthalmology trainees in a single centre via a 3-pronged approach before and after a supervised training workshop on the simulator was performed. Outcomes include procedural confidence, competence, accurate needle positioning during peribulbar block and degree of post-procedural akinesia. There were significant improvements in trainee self-ranked confidence (7.57 ± 1.27 to 8.57 ± 1.13, p = 0.018) and competence (7.71 ± 0.95 to 8.43 ± 0.98, p = 0.047) (n = 7). There was improvement in consultant-rated akinesia, competence and confidence (38.1% ± 29.9% to 34.8% ± 20.7% p = 0.766, 7.63 ± 1.51 to 7.90 ± 0.66 p = 0.585, and 7.57±1.64 to 7.80±0.92 p = 0.698) (18 assessments pre-workshop, 20 assessments post-workshop), and mean accuracy in blocks performed on the simulator after training with the simulator (4.17 ± 1.27 to 4.83 ± 0.389, n = 12, p = 0.054) although all these were statistically insignificant. In summary, this is a useful, portable and low-cost ophthalmic block simulator that allows trainees to gain confidence and competence in performing these procedures.