ABSTRACT
Purpose:
To establish the
face and content validity of the HelpMeSee
Eye Surgery Simulator � a
virtual reality-based
cataract surgery simulator for manual small-incision
cataract surgery (MSICS).
Methods:
The
face and content validity were assessed on the sclero-corneal tunnel
construction course. A
questionnaire with 11 questions focused on the visual realism, with resemblance to real
life surgery, and the
training value of the simulator was developed. Thirty-five experienced MSICS
surgeons participated in the study. Responses were recorded using a seven-point scoring system.
Results:
Overall, 74.3% (26/35) of the
respondents agreed that the overall visual representation of the
eye and the instruments in the simulator were realistic. The task of injecting a visco-elastic through the
paracentesis was reported to be the most visually realistic task with a mean score of 5.78 (SD 1.09; range 2�. With regard to content validity, 77.1% (27/35) of the subjects felt agreed that the errors and
complications represented throughout the entire tunnel
construction module were
similar to those encountered in real
life; the task of entering the
anterior chamber with the keratome had a mean score of 5.54 (SD 0.98; range 1�, being rated the highest in that aspect. Overall, 94.3% (33/35) of the subjects agreed that the simulator would be useful in developing
hand�
eye co-ordination. A
similar number of 94.3% (33/35) agreed that based on their experience, they would recommend
cataract surgical
training on this simulator.
Conclusion:
The results suggest that the HelpMeSee
Eye Surgery Simulator appears to have sufficient
face and content validity for
cataract surgical
training.