Low-tech intraocular ophthalmic microsurgery simulation: A low-cost model for home use

Abstract

In order to maintain manual dexterity and surgical skills, trainees are encouraged to partake in regular simulation. Current options for intraocular surgical simulation require specialist microscopic equipment which is expensive and requires access to simulation facilities. A set of core simulation exercises and basic surgical skills of performing the corneal incisions, capsulorhexis, improving the manual dexterity, and suturing were identified, discussed, and agreed among authors before designing this simulation exercise. In this paper, we propose a smartphone-based, low-cost, low-tech model with corresponding exercises for intraocular simulation that can be used at home for the above-mentioned surgical skill set. This model provides an easy, portable, and reproducible method of simulation and can serve as an adjunct to patient-facing surgical training, especially in the current pandemic, where the excess to the simulation facilities or setup of these facilities may be difficult.

Commentary: Kitchen ophthalmic surgeon: Recipe for operation success in work-from-home era

“…That still needs a lot of universal precautions and safe disposal of biomedical waste. In the accompanying article, the authors demonstrate various low-cost methods of practicing surgical skills at home, which they have dubbed “Low-Tech Intraocular Ophthalmic Microsurgery Simulation.”[ 6 ] This was done using things easily available at home, such as lozenge blister packs, superglue, cardboard, straw, markers, grapes, potatoes, plasticine, and surgical instruments. The microscope was simulated by a smartphone with its camera turned on, showing how smartphones have contributed to frugal ophthalmic innovation.…”

“…Surgical training is very important in ophthalmology residency, but the number of surgeries and the skill level vary between different teaching institutes. Simulated learning in the wet lab and dry lab as demonstrated in the various articles[ 6 ] and videos[ 4 ] are very helpful to climb the learning curve faster and become an expert surgeon. All young ophthalmologists can literally take their surgical training into their own hands by practicing at home and in the kitchen.…”