AIM: To assess the impact of the operational simulation training system on the cultivation of ophthalmic students.

METHODS: Four hundred and eighty ophthalmic students in China Medical University from 2009 to 2011 were chosen as objects and divided into two groups at random. The students in the experimental group used operation simulation training system combined with traditional teaching methods, while the students in the control group only used traditional teaching methods. We examined the operation skills and the confidence of all the students half a year later.

RESULTS: The improvement of the operation skills during the suture technique examination, and the confidence for operation technology were significantly different in two groups. The basic skills of the students in the examination groups improved apparently during the operational simulation training and they were full of confidence to their operational technique.

CONCLUSION: The operational simulation training is useful for promoting the clinical ability for ophthalmic students and should be widely popularized.