Exam Overview

How to Use Your Observation Time Wisely

  1. Read the Station Overview: Think of it as reading the instructions before assembling IKEA furniture. Trust us; it helps!

  2. Familiarize Yourself with the Room: Know where the necessary items are and get comfortable before you begin.

  3. Practice with Equipment: Pretend you're seeing the slit lamp for the first time.

  4. Slit Lamp Operation: Get cozy with that slit lamp; it’s the star of the show!

  5. Focus the Slit Lamp: Don't forget to remove the focusing rod!

  6. Wash Your Hands: No one wants their eyes examined by someone with dirty hands. Be a hygiene hero!

  7. Disinfect the Slit Lamp: This is like putting on deodorant before a date. Always a good idea!

  8. Set Out Supplies: Lay out your supplies like a chef prepping for a cooking show, but remember, NO OPENING PACKAGES!

  9. Ask “Where” Questions: If you can't find something, just ask! But ask properly!

During the Exam

Ask Patients: "Which eye should we poke- I mean, examine?" Communication is key!

  • Verbalize Findings: Just like narrating your life to an imaginary audience, state your findings clearly.

  • Evert Upper Eyelid: Use a cotton swab like a pro; if you don't need it - by all means!

  • Review the Evaluation Form TODAY! It’s your cheat sheet! Know what they're going to be testing you on.

Biomicroscopy

  • Disinfection Statement: You must state that you would properly disinfect the lens prior to use, but you do not actually have to disinfect it.

  • Examine One Eye: Anesthetics are needed ONLY for the examining eye. Forget which eye you're looking at? Don't be afraid to ask again!

  • Use Celluvisc: Patient comfort is key - you also need it to see the structures!

  • Clear View of Anterior Chamber Angle: Look at all four quadrants like a tourist taking in the sights of a new city—systematically!

Gonioscopy

  • Disinfection Statement Again: Yes, you guessed it! Mention disinfection, but skip the actual scrubbing.

  • Examine One Eye: Remember, anesthetic only for the chosen eye—no need for double trouble!

  • Finding Reports: Practice stating your findings clearly.

Goldmann Applanation Tonometry

15 Minutes of Glory

Total Examination Time: 18 minutes (15 minutes of examination + 3 minutes of observation)

Observation Time: 3 minutes

  • The proctors are like surprise guests at a party – they’ll show up with 30 seconds to go, so be ready!

Tips and Tricks

  • Stay Calm: Remember, you prepared for this moment!

  • Practice, Practice, Practice: Enlist your friends, family, or classmates as practice patients. 

  • Visualize Success: Picture yourself passing the exam and celebrating with drinks—Hot cocoa sounds nice after this.