October has been quite the month!
Classes continue to be going well, and I'm always impressed by how much we've learned in such a short amount of time. Many of our classes have begun to focus more on the eye either it be anatomically, health-wise, or optically. It's a sign of the progress my class has made from learning the basics to finally knowing enough information to begin applying our knowledge to the eye.
Last weekend our anatomy class hosted a cadaver lab, in which I was able to dissect and locate the bifurcation of the carotid artery among other body structures. Then in anatomy lab this week, our class dissected and identified the many structures of the eye. We also were introduced to the slit lamp instrument and were able to examine the anterior surface of the eye. Talk about amazing! Like a microscope, the slit lamp provides a magnified view of the front surface and surrounding parts of the eye. One of the most interesting sites was of the iris. Usually you think of the iris as the round colored portion of the eye surrounding the pupil. Well, under the slit lamp you actually could see all the grooves of the iris that actually give it a more rugged, and ruffled appearance especially near the pupil opening. It really was neat to see. If you don't have access to a slit lamp, a quick google search of a magnified iris will show you exactly what I'm talking about..it's a must see!
This past week I also had my second Theory lab practical which covered over 15 different chair skills and working one-on-one with patients. We were graded on how well and accurately we preformed 4-5 randomly assigned chair skills in less than 10 minutes...talk about stressful! The chair skills covered tests for extra-ocular motilities, pupils and pupillary defects, peripheral and central visual fields, and examining the cornea and tear film among others. Even more, by the time of our final theory practical right before Thanksgiving break, our class will have learned how to properly perform a complete patient refraction utilizing manifest refraction, jackson cross cylinder, and prisms on the phoropter. There's so much to look forward in the next few weeks!
With a month of exams and practicals under my belt and another round about to begin, I was able to enjoy a couple nice breaks this weekend before I have to hit the ground running again. The first was the Omega Delta Halloween Costume Party. One of the most anticipated student events at SCO, students (and some professors!) dress to impress in their best costumes. Prizes went to best individual, couple, and group costumes. Everyone looked great in their costumes, and I always look forward to socializing with my optometry buddies outside the classroom!
[caption id="attachment_1403" align="aligncenter" width="208" caption="It's a Sailor, Carmen San Diego, and the Black Swan enjoying th OD Halloween Party!"]
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The second event, was decorating The Eye Center for Halloween. On Sunday, several SCO-ers got together to decorate the front entrance and various suites in the clinic. It's a special way for the clinic to make the day festive for the community. I helped the front desk staff decorate the entrance of the clinic by painting a fall scene on one of the glass walls in The Eye Center. The painting was a nice stress-reliever, and I hope the community enjoys all the decorations as much as we all had putting the decorations together! Here's just a peek at what The Eye Center looked like all decorated as a barnyard scene:
[caption id="attachment_1411" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Front Entrance Decorations"]
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[caption id="attachment_1410" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="Receptionist Entrance"]
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[caption id="attachment_1408" align="alignnone" width="150" caption="Window painting at The Eye Center Receptionist Entrance"]
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In one last update--the spring semester schedule was distributed this past week. Wow, can it really be true that my first semester of optometry school is almost done already?! Well, before I get too excited I have to make my way through seven more exams and two more practicals, and that's not even including final exams, yet! Oh, let the uphill battle begin ;)
Carpe Diem,
Amy