Ophthalmic plastic surgical skills assessment tool

Purpose: To present a structured tool to assess ophthalmic plastic surgical skill and to determine its face and content validity. Methods: A 1-page structured subjective evaluation form was developed to evaluate a resident's oculoplastic surgical skill while performing lateral tarsal strip surgery. The tool consisted of generic task components and global indices evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale. A survey was conducted among a panel of highly experienced oculoplastic surgeons to establish face and content validity of the tool. All feedback was considered and, if feasible, was used to amend the tool. Results: There was more than 90% agreement among the highly experienced oculoplastic surgeons regarding the content and weighting of each assessment component. The final format of the tool is divided in 9 task-specific indices, based on the lateral tarsal strip procedure, and 9 global indices which, after assessment, appraisal, and amendment by our expert panel, demonstrates face and content validity. Conclusions: The Ophthalmic Plastic Surgical Skills Assessment Tool is a structured, quantitative instrument designed to aid in the oculoplastic surgical evaluation and training of residents.