Evaluation of a Novel Multi-Purpose Ophthalmic Block Simulator Amongst Ophthalmology Trainees

Purpose Training to perform ophthalmic blocks is often done on actual patients by trial and error. Higher complication rates and poor patient experience occur from a suboptimal block. We assess the efficacy of a novel ophthalmic block simulator via a pilot study. Design: The production process involved 3D-printing and improvisation with readily available materials that provided excellent reproducibility of a real-life experience. Methods 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 evaluated include procedural confidence, competence, accurate positioning of needle during peribulbar block and degree of akinesia after peribulbar block. Results There were significant improvements in trainee self-ranked confidence (7.57±1.27 to 8.57±1.13, p = 0.018), competence (7.71±0.95 to 8.43±0.98, p = 0.047) (n = 7), 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). There was improved 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). Conclusion This is a simple, useful, portable and low-cost ophthalmic block simulator that allows trainees to gain confidence and competence in performing these procedures.