During the pediatric ophthalmology rotations, residents can expect to learn the basic eye examination as it applies to children. An environment of supervised autonomy is emphasized with teaching by all members of the team. While on service, residents will have the opportunity to develop and refine ophthalmic skills including:
- taking a thorough and focused ophthalmic history
- performing a complete ophthalmic exam including
- afferent examination (visual acuity, pupil exam and visual fields)
- retinoscopy and refraction
- ocular motility
- examination of external, anterior and posterior structures of the eye
- forming and narrowing a differential diagnosis
- creating and implementing a plan for further diagnosis and treatment
- ordering and interpreting ophthalmic diagnostic studies
- communicating with and counseling patients
- corresponding with patients’ families and other health care providers
- presenting patients in a thorough and focused manner
Both first and second year residents can expect to participate in various surgical procedures, with special emphasis on extraocular muscle surgery. Residents can expect to familiarize themselves not only with the operative procedure, but also with the preoperative assessment and the ensuing postoperative care.