Surgical skill assessment rubric for Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation surgery

Abstract

Dear Editor, Implantation of a glaucoma drainage device is one of the options in the management of complex and refractory glaucoma.[1] In the past, this device was reserved for patients with failed filtration surgeries. However, in current practice, Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) is used as a primary procedure especially in eyes with high risk of trabeculectomy failure including neovascular glaucoma; Irido-corneal endothelial syndrome; secondary glaucoma due to uveitis; post keratoplasty; and post-vitreo-retinal surgeries.[2] Hence, skill in AGV surgery is crucial for ophthalmology trainees, especially those specializing in glaucoma management. Implantation of AGV is technically challenging with a long learning curve especially for beginners. Currently, the emphasis is on assessing the competency of the learner with less inter personnel variations.[3-5] Tools have been designed to objectively assess the competency of an ophthalmic trainee for different surgical procedures such as Global Rating Assessment of Skills in Intraocular Surgery (GRASIS)[6]; Objective assessment of skills in intraocular surgery (OASIS)[7]; and Next Accreditation System in Ophthalmology (NSA).[5]