Presented By: Deniz Goodman, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Co-Authors: Elena Bitrian, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Alana Grajewski, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Ta Chen Peter Chang, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Eleonore Savatovsky, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Purpose
Learning microsurgery is one of the most challenging aspects of ophthalmology residency. Novel synthetic eye models show promise in facilitating hands-on instruction and practice in the wet lab environment. We compare the cost, required preparation, and anatomical fidelity between a synthetic eye model (SE), pig eyes (PE), and cadaver eyes (CE) for teaching pediatric glaucoma surgery.
Methods
Information collected from eye banks and scientific supply stores was used to determine the cost of eyes and materials. Surgical course instructors were polled to established representative wet-lab scenarios for cost estimate calculation.
Results
The average cost of a SE, PE, and CE is $70, $2, and $250, respectively. Relative to using CE, calculated savings are as follows: hosting a one-time wet lab for a typical residency class of 4 (PE: $992, SE: $720), a longitudinal (12 sessions/year) wet lab curriculum of the same class size (PE: $11,904, SE: $8,640), and a conference skills transfer session of 20 attendees (PE: $4,960, SE: $3,600). SE require significantly less intensive preparation, only necessitating lubrication and a 15-minute water soak, compared to PE and CE that must be stored at low temperatures to prevent degradation and soaked in formalin for several hours or injected with saline or viscoelastic agents to achieve physiological globe pressures. SE features a clear cornea and a human-like Schlemm's canal, thereby providing a more realistic model for teaching goniotomy and ab externo trabeculotomy compared to PE which may have a cloudy cornea, segmented canal, and tougher trabecular meshwork.
Conclusions
The synthetic eye model represents a cost-effective and convenient alternative to cadaver eyes and pig eyes for teaching pediatric glaucoma surgery.