Ophthalmic Knowledge

Basic Ophthalmic Terminology

Basic Ophthalmic Terminology

Practice administrators should be able to identify the four main areas of an ophthalmic practice and be familiar with the terminology related to each. These areas include the ophthalmology office, optical dispensary, ambulatory surgery center (ASC), and refractive surgery center.


Activities Included:

Basic Ophthalmic Terminology Pre-test

Basic Ophthalmic Terminology Resources

Basic Ophthalmic Terminology Post-test


Basic Ophthalmic-Optical-Surgical Protocols

Basic Ophthalmic-Optical-Surgical Protocols

Patient flow is generally defined as a patient’s progressive movement through a medical facility during an appointment. In most facilities, the ophthalmic office and ASC notwithstanding, this flow is supported by systematic processes and protocols. Ophthalmic patient flow tends to be more complex than flow in other specialties, primarily due to the extensive preliminary workup that must be completed for most patients. This chapter outlines general patient flow for the ophthalmology office and for the ASC. It also examines the protocols and processes adhered to by ophthalmic offices throughout the patient visit—from patient check-in to patient checkout and billing.


Activities Included:

Basic Ophthalmic-Optical-Surgical Protocols Pre-test

Basic Ophthalmic-Optical-Surgical Protocols Resources

Basic Ophthalmic-Optical-Surgical Protocols Post-test


Basic Ophthalmic Instruments

Basic Ophthalmic Instruments

Like any medical specialty, ophthalmology uses a unique combination of specialized tools and assessment methods and devices to provide initial and ongoing patient care and treatment. This chapter provides descriptions of instruments, equipment, and diagnostic testing used in ophthalmic offices as well as those utilized in the ASC.


Activities Included:

Basic Ophthalmic Instruments Pre-test

Basic Ophthalmic Instruments Resources

Basic Ophthalmic Instruments Post-test


Ophthalmic Practice Triage

Ophthalmic Practice Triage

Triage is the process of determining the priorities for action in an emergency and of establishing the order in which to carry out acts of medical assistance. This process is critical to appropriate care and treatment of patients who experience ocular emergencies and could mean the difference between adequate vision and potential blindness. Therefore, eye care practitioners and their staffs must have protocols to follow in triaging a variety of ocular complaints. The process of correct triage can often be a very difficult task to achieve—for both the staff and the patient, and there are a number of factors that make accurate triage challenging.


Activities Included:

Ophthalmic Practice Triage Pre-test

Ophthalmic Practice Triage Resources

Ophthalmic Practice Triage Post-test


Customary Ophthalmic Patient Services

Customary Ophthalmic Patient Services

A comprehensive eye care delivery system includes the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, the prescription of corrective lenses (glasses and contact lenses), and surgical treatment. This chapter discusses the eye care professionals who provide care in these service areas and examines the roles and responsibilities of employees that support these professionals. Additionally discussed are the different settings from which each service is provided.


Activities Included:

Customary Ophthalmic Patient Services Pre-test

Customary Ophthalmic Patient Services Resources

Customary Ophthalmic Patient Services Post-test


Anatomy

Anatomy

This chapter provides an overview of the means by which the eye produces sight and the components involved in the process. Internal and external anatomical structure of the eye is provided, as well as a description of common ocular diagnoses.


Activities Included:

Anatomy Pre-test

Anatomy Resources

Anatomy Post-test


Pharmacology

Pharmacology

To gain a proper understanding of basic ophthalmic pharmacology, it is essential to have a general understanding of the primary ophthalmic diseases and conditions. This chapter discusses these diseases and conditions and provides an overview of the medical process related to each.


Activities Included:

Pharmacology Pre-test

Pharmacology Resource

Pharmacology Post-test