Strabismus surgery learning for Ophthalmology residents of university service.

PURPOSE To verify Ophthalmology resident's and supervisor's perceptions regarding learning and teaching strabismus surgery. DESIGN Descriptive Study. METHODS SUBJECTS 1(st) and 2(nd) year residents. Each resident studied the standard strabismus surgery technique on a CD-ROM, then performed a rabbit rectus muscle recession and a strabismus surgery on a patient. A structured questionnaire was handed to the residents, and the authors made observations including variables referring to the surgical technique applied, self-evaluation of this technique and if appropriate training was given. RESULTS Thirty-eight questionnaires were analysed. All 1(st) year residents (R1) had had some difficulty remembering the surgery sequence and 69.6% of 2(nd) year residents (R2). Concerning the surgical material handling, 93.3% of R1 and 52.2% of R2 had had any difficulty. The residents reported that during the surgery in humans, 50% remembered the experimental stage and that this training completely fulfilled their needs for 47% and partially for other 47%. CONCLUSION Experimental surgery, more practice opportunities and resident's supervision may improve the teaching of strabismus surgery.