Ophthalmology foundation Ophthalmic Surgical Competency Assessment Rubric (OSCAR) for pterygium surgery

BACKGROUND: Pterygium surgery is a procedure commonly performed by ophthalmologists. Valid, objective methods are needed to assess competence in this procedure. METHODS: A panel of 5 specialists consisting of members from different regions of the world including Pakistan, United States, Iran, Mongolia and Peru was formed to create a rubric for assessment of pterygium surgery by residents. The assessment rubric was developed using the standard template of Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubrics (OSCARs) previously published. The rubric was designed using a modified Dreyfus model of skill acquisition on a four-point behavioral scale. RESULTS: The rubric consisted of 14 essential steps in pterygium surgery and 5 global indices. The content and face validity of the rubric was refined by repeatedly reviewing the rubric on Googledocs and considering critiques by a panel of 10 cornea specialists from around the world. Each step was divided into four levels, from novice to competent. The skill required for each level was described specifically to help decrease rater subjectivity. CONCLUSIONS: The OSCAR for pterygium surgery has face-validity and can be used effectively for both teaching and assessing ophthalmology residents in training programs across the world.