Browsing by Author "Rice, James"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Construct validity testing of a low cost vitreoretinal surgical simulator
    (2020) van Der Westhuizen, Dean; Rice, James
    Objective: To test the construct validity of a low cost, low fidelity vitreoretinal surgical simulator Design: Construct validity study. Six microsurgical dexterity tasks, performed on a low cost vitreoretinal surgical simulator, were graded using a scoring rubric designed to assess microsurgical dexterity. Tasks one and two were dominant hand exercises, tasks three-five required bimanual dexterity and task six assessed visualization through a retinal viewing system The scores of a novice group (Ophthalmology residents who had never performed a pars planar vitrectomy) were compared to an expert group (Vitreoretinal surgeons who had performed in excess of 20 pars planar vitrectomies). Scores were graded via video recordings of the tasks, by blinded independent graders using a scoring rubric. Participants: The novice group of surgeons included 8 ophthalmology residents training at the Groote Schuur hospital department of Ophthalmology. The expert group of surgeons included 5 vitreoretinal surgeons working at the Groote Schuur hospital department of Ophthalmology, and 2 vitreoretinal surgeons working in the private sector in Cape Town, South Africa. Results: Expert surgeons performed significantly better( P=< 0.05) than the novice surgeons across all six microsurgical dexterity tasks. Greater differences were seen in bimanual tasks(tasks three-five) and in task six that was designed specifically to assess the surgeon's ability to ensure good visualisation through a retinal viewing system. Conclusions: The microsurgical dexterity tasks performed on This low cost, low-fidelity vitreoretinal surgical simulator can distinguish between novice and expert retinal surgeons demonstrating significant construct validity. Its use can be encouraged in the training of novice vitreoretinal surgeons.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Cytomegalovirus retinitis at Groote Schuur Hospital : clinical management and outcomes
    (2015) Lapere, Steven; Rice, James
    Objectives 1. To review the clinical presentation, management and outcomes of patients who were diagnosed and treated for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis at Groote Schuur Hospital over a 10 year period 2. To review and compare the treatment protocols of thirteen public hospital centres in South Africa that treat patients for CMV retinitis Design & method This is a retrospective cohort study. A record review of 141 eyes in 91 patients diagnosed with and treated for CMV retinitis between 2003 and 2013 was performed. Additionally, a standard questionnaire was sent to thirteen public hospitals in South Africa that treat patients for CMV retinitis to determine current treatment protocols. At Groote Schuur Hospital, all cases of suspected CMV retinitis undergo a vitreous biopsy for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmation. Treatment consists of weekly intravitreal ganciclovir injections until clinical resolution has taken place. Patients not on highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART) are referred for initiation of treatment. Ganciclovir treatment is continued until immune reconstitution has taken place.