My eye problem

[NewYorkDoc]

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Hello guys,

I posted this last night in the general residency thread, I just wanted to get more opinions. My eyes are really horrible (-20!), and they seem to be getting worse every year, of course it gradually gets worse in everyone. My optometrist yesterday told me that I'm not going to be able to get a surgery residency becuase of my poor eyesight. She said an eye exam was required to get one, which I wouldnt pass. She said she was almost certain it would limit the type of surgery I can do, but there may be some options left. Can anyone help me? Please understand I'm still an undergraduate and I don't have an idea about this. I take anything a doctor tells me to be the truth. Thanks!

 

[tussy]

I did not have to take an eye exam to start my surgery residency. However, if someone suspects you have low vision the program could probably request an assessment.

However, if your eyesight is so poor that you would not be able to do certain procedures then you should not be a surgeon. Surgery requires very good vision. Do you really want to compromise your patients safety?

Consider other options for medical specialty.

I would also consider getting a second opinion from another ophthamologist about your vision and if anything can be done to save it.

Good luck to you.

 

[KaliforniaDoll]

I did not have to take an eye exam to start my surgery residency. However, if someone suspects you have low vision the program could probably request an assessment.

However, if your eyesight is so poor that you would not be able to do certain procedures then you should not be a surgeon. Surgery requires very good vision. Do you really want to compromise your patients safety?

Consider other options for medical specialty.

I would also consider getting a second opinion from another ophthamologist about your vision and if anything can be done to save it.

Good luck to you.

That is right. Surgeon need eagle's eyes. I know a guy who changed his speciality due to color vision problems during his chief residency period.

 

[Winged Scapula]

An eye exam is not required to match in a surgical residency.

You are required to disclose any medical or psychological condition which would prevent you from completing your duties in your chosen field. If you are legally blind and/or your vision is not correctable, either through lenses or surgery, to 20/20 then I would imagine you would have a hard time being a surgeon or getting into a program (as I would assume you would reveal that your vision is uncorrectable).

Being color blind is also not a reason not to match; I have known a couple of very good surgeons who were color-blind - obviously they have trained themselves to either ask for help when needed or to be able to notice slight color changes.