Outpatient US Clinical Experience in Ophthalmology in Los Angeles

Information about this clinical experience:

This is an outpatient experience where you will be under the supervision of a board-certified ophthalmologist. Having previously served as an ophthalmology residency program director and medical school professor, this preceptor has acquired extensive experience as a teacher of residents and students.

On a typical clinic day, 20-25 patients are seen. Of these patients, 65% will present with general ophthalmological conditions. The remaining 35% will have retinal eye disease. Rotators will learn how to take patient histories and perform preliminary eye exams, including visual acuity measurements and visual field tests, with the technician and preceptor.

To make the most of this clinical experience, we recommend that you focus your learning on common ophthalmological complaints (e.g., itching, pain, redness, tearing, visual changes) and conditions (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration). We recommend using the following resources to maximize your learning:

The Eye Exam

The Eyes Have It

From time to time, when something interesting is encountered, you may have the opportunity to research the topic and give a 5-minute presentation to the preceptor.

During your experience, you will learn the following U.S. medical practices under the preceptor’s supervision:

• Taking patient histories.

• Performing physical exams under the physician's supervision.

• Presenting patients.

• Have opportunities to research the literature to answer clinical questions at the point of care.

• Spending time with other healthcare professionals to understand their roles and responsibilities