Development of a proptosis model as a surgical training tool for veterinary students and practitioners

Background: Effective training is fundamental to the development of critical skills for emergency veterinary interventions. This study presents a synthetic canine proptosis model designed to train veterinary interns, final-year students and practitioners, offering an ethical, reproducible and high-fidelity option for learning proptosis management. The model aims to simulate key anatomical and mechanical features of the canine eye, providing a hands-on experience in a high-fidelity setting. Methods: Sixteen participants, including veterinary interns and students with limited surgical backgrounds, underwent training sessions using this model, and completed pre- and post-training surveys. Results: This training tool was highly rated for anatomical accuracy (8.3/10) and its utility in enhancing proptosis management skills (9.5/10). Confidence levels in performing proptosis correction in real-life scenarios showed significant improvement, with mean ± SD pre- and post-training scores of 4.3 ± 2.5 and 8.1 ± 1.6, respectively (p = 0.0005). Limitations: While the model provided effective simulation, it does not fully capture the biological variability and tactile feedback inherent to living tissue, including oedema and haemorrhage. Conclusions: The model provides a practical, ethical alternative to cadaver training, yielding measurable benefits in skill acquisition. Further studies should explore the extension of this model for additional ophthalmic training applications.