Wet Laboratory Training in Ophthalmology as a Tool for Formative Assessment

Abstract

Surgical skills training and assessment have always remained a critical issue for both trainees and trainers. Ophthalmology being a microsurgical specialty, its training in the operating theater further faces a lot of challenges. Wet laboratory training and simulation training were, therefore, developed so that residents acquired certain basic skills in controlled laboratory settings before they could operate on patients and patient safety could thereby be ensured. Unfortunately, most literature focuses on the benefits such practice has on operating room performance; but not much attention has been paid to the use of such training for formative assessment, feedback, and its importance in effective learning. In this article, we highlight the challenges faced in surgical skill transfer and also give an insight into how wet or dry laboratory training can be of formative value in postgraduate training.

Evaluation of Surgical Requirements and Competencies of the Saudi Ophthalmology Training Program in a Tertiary Eye Specialist Hospital- A Cross-Sectional Study

“…2 Technological and surgical advancements within ophthalmology have constantly changed the competencies required of trainee surgeons. 3 Additionally, there are major challenges in teaching surgery on live patients, such as ethical concerns, the nature of ophthalmic microsurgery, and dealing with complications. Therefore, a surgical training program must balance the need for trainees to gain surgical competency and ensure patient safety at the same time.…”