Anterior Segment and Posterior Segment Skills
"Hello I am Candidate _____ and I will be performing your examination today. Before I begin, I am going to wash my hands for 20 seconds and dry my hands completely. "
"I will now disinfect the slit lamp chin rest and forehead rest."
BIO
PERIPHERAL RETINA
"I am going to assess the health of the back of your eye. I will use this headset along with a special lens. Your __ eye has already been dilated, so I will be assessing that eye today."
Set up the BIO
"I have positioned the more convex side of the lens towards the patient."
Hold the lens for 5 seconds while filling the condensing lens as much as possible without the arcades in view
Perform for all 8 quadrants and posterior pole
Normal: "There are no breaks, holes, or tears in the [quadrant] peripheral retina"
POSTERIOR POLE
Normal: "The posterior pole is flat and intact. Macula is flat, optic nerve is perfused with pink and distinct rims"
90D
"I will now use the microscope and another lens to assess the health of the back of your eye. The eye pieces are in focus."
"Patient, please put your chin on the chin rest and forehead against the bar"
CRYSTALLINE LENS
Optic section, bright illumination, 10x
"I am…
Proctor Protocol: The Do’s and Don’ts
Ask if you have a view - the right way: When you're in the hot seat, remember to ask your proctor if they have a view of the image. They'll let you know if they can see it, but don't expect them to be the quality police. If they say "no" -- don’t panic! Troubleshoot like a tech-savvy wizard. But if troubleshooting is turning into a saga, move along and come back to it.
Avoid Medical Slang: If you find yourself wanting to describe a structure with “OK,” “Fine,” “WNL,” or “not bad”—STOP RIGHT THERE! Channel your inner Shakespeare and be more descriptive. The eyes deserve better than casual chat!
Speak Up!: Remember, you’re not just performing for your proctor; you’re narrating the epic tale of your examination. Speak clearly and audibly!
Fleeting Views are Out: No quick glances—count to 3 seconds like you're waiting for your microwave popcorn to finish popping. Make sure you have a solid view before moving on.
Full Assessment Required: Don’t just skim the surface! When assessing the cornea, give it a complete scan. Pretend you're looking for buried treasure instead of just checking the center—those hidden gems could be hiding at the top and bottom behind the eyelids!
Camera Shenanigans: The camera is in the LEFT ocular - so, use your right eye if you have difficulty seeing through your left eye. It doesn't matter which eye you use as long as the camera sees it!