Objective: To assess the instructional efficacy of the EYESi surgical simulator in training ophthalmology residents on vitreoretinal surgical procedures. Methods: Fifteen ophthalmology residents participating in standardized specialist training program at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, were randomly assigned to three groups (A, B, C; n=5 per group). All participants underwent an initial baseline assessment through simulated retinal detachment surgery. In addition to standard training modules covering posterior vitreous detachment, anterior retinal membrane peeling, and inner limiting membrane manipulation, Group A received supplementary bimanual scissors training, Group B underwent laser training, and Group C received both types of advanced training. The final assessments were carried out using the same retinal detachment simulation, with performance scores and operation times carefully recorded. Results: Post-training surveys revealed significant increases in both trainees’ self-confidence and their self-assessed surgical proficiency. Objective performance scores for retinal detachment surgery showed marked improvement after training (P < 0.001). Groups C and A achieved significantly higher final scores compared to Group B (P < 0.05). Participants with prior intraocular surgical experience scored higher and completed procedures more quickly in the baseline assessment than those without such experience (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The EYESi simulator proves to be an effective tool for enhancing surgical skills and boosting operational confidence in vitreoretinal surgery training. In particular, bimanual instrumentation training offers significant educational value in the development of advanced microsurgical techniques.
