Steady hand?

[akd]

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Hi,
Can someone tell me how important it is to keep a steady hand? I have some hand tremors (genetic) that will most likely get worse as I age...has anyone had or seen an optometrist with this problem? Does everyone have to have a perfect non-shaking hand all the time? Please let me know...I think I'll have to consider a career change...depending on your answers...

 

[EyeBaller]

I guess this is a tough call... For the most part if your hands aren't perfectly steady it won't matter with things like refraction, ret, or general slit lamp. However, there's a lot of procedures that will require a reasonably steady hand, such as 78/90D indirect ophthalmoscopy, BIO, gonioscopy and even steadier for punctal plug insertion.

I'm guessing you haven't applied to schools yet? I'd probably suggest visiting a few different practices (with varying specialities...) to see what the optometrist does and if you think you will be able to do it. If you live near an Optometry school you could probably visit the clinic there?

Hope that helps, and best of luck!!!

 

[KaBlamO]

not to mention foreign body removal! we don't want to dig into bowmans, do we? 😱

 

[drgregory]

traditionally, your options are limited in alot of healthcare. most of the MD specialties would be difficult - realize that all MDs go through general residency and have some surgical experience.
dentistry or podiatry would be out of the question.
optometry, though a somewhat non-surgical profession, would be feasible, but you would still encounter problems.
psychology might be the best bet.

 

[gsinccom]

traditionally, your options are limited in alot of healthcare. most of the MD specialties would be difficult - realize that all MDs go through general residency and have some surgical experience.
dentistry or podiatry would be out of the question.
optometry, though a somewhat non-surgical profession, would be feasible, but you would still encounter problems.
psychology might be the best bet.

what about pharmacy.

 

[cpw]

traditionally, your options are limited in alot of healthcare. most of the MD specialties would be difficult - realize that all MDs go through general residency and have some surgical experience.
dentistry or podiatry would be out of the question.
optometry, though a somewhat non-surgical profession, would be feasible, but you would still encounter problems.
psychology might be the best bet.

trying to do non-dilated 90D without a steady hand on a small pupil patient.... darn near impossible.