My decision to study Optometry degree stemmed from my affection for biology and my willingness to provide help to others. My passion was further heightened when experiencing how optometrists worked in clearing an obstruction in my grandmothers eye which saved her from losing her eyesight. During the period of heartache I began researching her condition and was fascinated by the extent of details and procedures in optometry. I have since been keeping up with new procedures available in the world of optometry and wish to further research new methods to help people suffering due to their eyesight.
To further extend my knowledge in dentistry, I have read ‘Optics’ by Mike Freeman, which taught me about the functions of the eye; the importance of
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Although Dentistry is not what I wish to proceed with, I witnessed how the relationship between the dentist and the patient is based on trust and clarity with understanding being imperative to working with patients, be that as a dentist or optician. My experience during my optometry work experience finally proved to me that it was what I wished to proceed with. At the optometrists I was able to learn about the phoropter and glaucoma machines and how they determine the patients needs. I experienced the relationship between an optometrist and the patient when talking to patients; attempting to win their confidence to allow me to watch their particular procedure. Furthermore when problems arose with patients, such as when an elderly Sikh man, who couldn’t speak English, came in, I was able to use my language skills to help overcome the issue, and believe my French language skills will also help in the field of optometry. Having also completed work experience in a primary school, teaching Maths and English to a class of 10 year olds, I created my own presentations and learnt the importance of planning, as well as effectively communicating with
Dentistry is a fascinating profession for its approach to patients, restoring function as well as es-thetic. I believe that Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is the most important specialty in dentistry and medicine which combines art with science. It is appealing when patients leave the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) clinics not only with good function and esthetic, but also in a better psychological status. And I find the AAOMS’s motto “Saving Faces.. Changing Lives..” very insi...
Optometrists have accepted vision therapy, which is a medical treatment for optical muscle disabilities, as a feasible treatment used for eye related problems; claiming the treatment can strengthen vision and give the patient the opportunity to understand visuals quicker and clearer (Press). Vision therapy originated in the 1950s and over the past 25 years, has gained popularity, mainly because of new technological innovations in the field of treatment. Generally, vision therapy is prescribed as a measure mainly for people between the ages of 3 and 18. With the results from a comprehensive series of eye tests, the optometrist can work with the patient using special instruments—prisms, filters, occluders, and eye lenses—and strengthen the eye muscles, thus improving sight. According to optometrists in favor of vision therapy, these methods of treatment using these instruments function as safer routes to repair eye disabilities. Although vision therapy can yield favorable results, the practice as a treatment for innate eye disabilities has been in hot debate lately; as it can exceed $8000 and insurance companies do not cover the treatment. For decades, insurance companies have refused to accept vision therapy as a legitimate method for repairing eyesight (Boink). Concomitant with lack of insurance, the cost for a full treatment can exceed $8000, and doctors cannot guarantee a successful outcome. Recently, parents of children with eye related disabilities, such as amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (cross-eye), and doctors have attempted to cooperate with public schools to allow families access to school-funded doctors to practice vision therapy. With a tight budget, most schools cannot afford to supply vision therapy, and a...
My interest in the career of optometry stems from my first experience in the optometry office to receive my first pair of glasses when I was in middle school. I distinctly remember the moment when my optometrist slipped my new glasses over my eyes for the first time. Suddenly, everything in the room came into sharp, clear focus. I knew that the glasses would help me see the board in school, but I was astonished to find that I could see small details about the room, as it had never before occurred to me that I should have been able to see these details. I was also surprised that I was even able to see the expressions on the faces of people who were standing far away from me. It was one of the most incredible, freeing, and empowering moments of my life. As I walked out of the optometry office, I felt
With no treatment needed, glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, while simultaneously being the number one leading cause in Africa (Glaucoma Research Foundation). According to the American Optometric Association, “Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases causing optic nerve damage. The optic nerve carries images from the retina, which is the specialized light sensing tissue, to the brain so we can see.” They go on to say that when dealing with glaucoma, one’s eye pressure plays a vital role in damaging the delicate nerve fibers of the optic nerve. “When a significant number of nerve fibers are damaged, blind spots develop in the field of vision. Once nerve damage and visual loss occur, it is permanent.” The National Institute of Health states that due to shallower anterior chamber depths, this defect hurts the lives of people mostly from East Asian descent. The Foundation continues to say that blacks are among the people who are three times more likely to have glaucoma while woman in general are two times more likely to developing angle closure glaucoma.
Towards the end of my secondary education, I was offered a work exposure in health related fields. During the interview, I mentioned that I was interested in the Ophatmic field and was hence assigned to the Opthalmic department of Mater Dei Hospital - Malta’s National Hospital. During the length of this exposure, I was taken under the wing of Mr.Francalanza, the principle orthoptist, who upon hearing that I am interested to commence my studies in this field, made it his utter most priority to inform me to the full about the depths of the career. Apart from witnessing daily patients suffering from strabismus, glaucoma and post stroke cases, I was also prese...
It is a rare condition that affects 2 % of Americans. Signs of pathological myopia include: Bending or distortion of straight lines, altered color perception, reduced contrast sensitivity, and increasing gloss of central vision. It is a quick severe progression of myopia and loss of vision is the end result. There is an increased risk of retinal detachment and other degenerative changes in the back of the eye (bleeding from abnormal blood vessel growth). If any of these things occur the risk of cataracts could increase. Treatment calls for a combination of a drug and a laser procedure called photodynamic therapy. It is reported to be the seventh ranking cause of legal blindness in the United States of America the fourth ranking cause in Hong Kong and the second in parts of China and Japan this form of myopia frequently progresses in adult life, with small intermittent steps of elongation being observable at any age. The adult progression appears to be due to the stretching of the walls of the eye. Genetically weak elements of the scleral wall are prone to thinning and stretching. One of the major forces at work in this stretching process appears to be the normal intra-ocular pressure (Ward
Life revolves around being able to see things. Although individuals who are blind can lead a full and happy life, someone with excellent vision who suddenly loses theirs or notices a decrease in their visual acuity over time may find it difficult to adapt. Thankfully, with the help of an optometrist, individuals can actively work to preserve their vision for as long as possible. Phoenix Eye Care must be a priority for all, as advanced technology allows threats to the eyes to be detected as the earliest stage. The right treatment can help to slow or stop the progression before major issues develop. For this reason, every individual needs to undergo routine eye exams.
Communicating with one’s eyes is crucial in dentistry. In a room where faces hide behind masks and mouths are full of instruments, it is necessary to wordlessly convey reassurance and kindness. I witnessed the significance of this detail during my childhood in Taiwan. Growing up, I did not brush my teeth until I was eight years old because I did not understand the importance of oral hygiene, causing an oral infection that inflamed my cheek. When I first received treatment, the sight of the lidocaine syringe and dental handpiece struck fear in me. However, what I recall most vividly were the dentist’s eyes; they expressed confidence and empathy, promising I was in good hands. I strive to emulate this thoughtful care as a welcoming, compassionate, and effective dentist.
I decided to do my research report on dentistry because it is a perfect blend of science and art. It is a science in that you must fully comprehend on the different types of diagnostic and procedures you are doing. It is an art in that you are constantly working with your hands to create a beautiful smile. The impact you make on helping a person achieve an impeccable smile is not one to compare with materialistic things like money or cars. People often mistake dentist as only doing practices when in fact they could do more, like research. I was fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to interview Dr. Sarah Pham, DDS, a close family friend who practices dentistry in her own private office in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Pham was
My father made a successful recovery and I became inspired. I realized that having the gift of sight is something people take for granted. Therefore, when I embarked on my undergraduate journey, I partook in several activities to help foster my thirst for knowledge about optometry. For instance, I became the treasurer of the pre-optometry club at the University of Florida. As an executive board member, I opened doors for others to find their passion for optometry through managing our budget and finances to sponsor trips and activities. Meanwhile, I also worked as a secretary and shadowed at the Eye Associates of Orlando, where I gained practical knowledge. I also volunteered for the KidSight Vision Screening Program where I entered data of visio...
I have undertaken work experience at a local NHS practice to observe what the profession entails. The difficulty of the job was admirable due to the level of manual dexterity and patience involved. In addition, I saw the importance of compassion that dentists showed to their patients
Optometry involves of a combination of intricate practical skills and academia allowing the improvement of an individual’s vision as an outcome changing their quality of life. I would feel privileged to gain the opportunity to study Optometry enabling me to improve the ocular health and vision of others as it would be a valuable contribution to the society.
Heiting, Gary, and Mark Mattison-Shupnick. " Bifocals and Trifocals for Vision Over 40. " All About The Vision.
AS a dentist one should be strongly determined to devote selflessly for the betterment of mankind .Patient usuall...
The creation of the first wearable pair of eyeglasses is credited to Salvino D'Armate in Italy around the year 1284 (Bellis). Despite numerous improvements made to this original model, the eyeglasses remained an elementary piece of technology that provided the sole form of vision correction at that time. This was the case century after century. Leonardo da Vinci left us with the first sketches and descriptions of contact lenses in 1508 (CLC). The credit for developing the first corneal contact lens is given to Dr. Thomas Young in 1801. He created a one quarter inch long glass tube filled with water which had a microscope lens fitted on the end (Hartstein). It wasn’t until the late 19th century, however, that the first crude, but tolerable pair of contact lenses were introduced (CLC). Since this first medieval pair, the contact lens has been improved upon time after time. From the introduction of using plastics in contact lens production to the soft, gas permeable, daily wear, disposable lens...