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.