Introduction
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Society of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (WSPOS) piloted strabismus surgery simulation webinars providing real-time surgical instruction using an accessible model eye. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate improvement in confidence level with strabismus surgery among ophthalmology residents who participated in the webinar.
Methods
Five strabismus surgeons (from 5 different countries) taught 10 beginning ophthalmology residents (from 5 different countries) using a homemade model eye and a cell phone streaming the surgical view. Surgical techniques taught included needle handling, scleral passes, and suturing extraocular muscles. Residents watched a video demonstrating techniques prior to the webinar. Three surveys completed Pre-Video, Post-Video, and Post-Webinar evaluated comfort level in surgical skills using Likert scales. Survey responses were analyzed using paired t tests and repeated measures ANOVA (SPSS v24). Queen’s University Health Sciences Research Ethics Board approval was obtained.
Results
Nine of 10 trainees answered the surveys: 66% were 25-29 years old; 62.5% were second-year residents. Paired t test showed a statistically significant increase in comfort level in performing scleral passes, suturing an extraocular muscle, and creating a locking bite at the muscle pole between Pre-Video to Post-Webinar surveys (P < 0.05). Exploratory repeated measures ANOVA revealed improvements in scores for 4 of the 5 questions (P < 0.05).
Conclusion/Relevance
Our pilot study demonstrates effective teaching of strabismus surgery techniques virtually using an accessible model eye. Virtual teaching allows delivery of world expertise teaching to trainees worldwide, diminishing barriers to learning and improving eye care to patients globally.
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