title: Design and Validation of a Training Simulator for Laser Capsulotomy, Peripheral Iridotomy, and Retinopexy.
abstract: Ophthalmology trainees commonly learn laser procedures on live patients. A simulator for learning peripheral iridotomy (PI), posterior capsulotomy, and retinopexy may improve patient outcomes.
  
  
  
  A model eye with artificial tissues was designed. The tissues reacted to laser similarly to human tissues. Inexperienced (n = 6; first- to third-year residents) and experienced (n = 7; fourth- to fifth-year residents and staff) ophthalmic personal were compared on performance of the above laser procedures.
  
  
  
  The inexperienced group required more shots (P = .04) and caused more lens markings (P = .04) during capsulotomy and had more incomplete retinopexy results (P = .04) than the experienced group. The groups did not differ in total shots for PI, average power for retinopexy, or the total time required for any of the procedures.
  
  
  
  Our model effectively simulates common ophthalmic laser procedures and is practical for the training of ophthalmology residents. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2017;48:56-61.].
authors.forename: Sarah M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Kelly D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Schweitzer
authors.forename: Davin E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007498:Iris / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education*; D016544:Patient Simulation; D064727:Posterior Capsulotomy / Q000193:education*; D000066908:Simulation Training / Q000379:methods*