Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant
What diagnostic test would be performed for Oculoplastic Surgery? - ANSWERPhotography, external
measurements (exophthalmometry), visual field testing, optional: Schirmer testing
What diagnostic test would be performed for Extraocular muscle surgery? - ANSWERPhotography, muscle
balance
What diagnostic test would be performed for Corneal Surgery? - ANSWERcorneal topography, optional:
pachymetry, keratometry specular microscopy
What diagnostic test would be performed for Refractive Surgery? - ANSWERCorneal topography, pachymetry,
keratometry, refractometry
What diagnostic test would be performed for Glaucoma Surgery? - ANSWERVisual field testing, photography
of disc
What diagnostic test would be performed for Cataract Surgery? - ANSWERA-Scan Biometry and calculation,
refractometry, keratometry, Optional: Specular microscopy, B-Scan, ultrasound, PAM, BAT, contrast and
sensitivity
What diagnostic test would be performed for Retinal and Vitreous surgery? - ANSWERB-Scan ultrasound
Intracameral Anesthesia - ANSWERNewer method of ophthalmic anesthesia which has been explored in
anterior segment surgery. It anesthetizes the iris.
General Anesthesia - ANSWERGeneral endotracheal anesthesia is prominent in certain subspecialties where
control of the intraoperative situation is needed and long in duration.
Mydriatic Drugs - ANSWERDilate the pupil but permit the eye to focus (phenylephrine)
, Cycloplegic Drugs - ANSWERDilate the pupil and also prevents the eye from focusing (Tropicamide and
Cyclopentolate)
Miotic Drugs - ANSWERDrugs that cause the iris sphincter muscle to contract and constrict (acetylcholine,
pilocarpine)
Hyperosmotic Drugs - ANSWERClassified as diuretics, shrink the vitreous body and reduces intraocular
pressure by draining fluid out of the tissue
Fluorescein Sodium - ANSWERYellow-green dye and topical stain used for diagnostic purpose. In both strip and
solution form, it is used to stain the cornea to evaluate any disruption of the corneal epithelium.
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa - ANSWERBacterial gram-negative rods. An infectious microorganism that is the
most destructive to the eye
How many sides should you visualize for the fingers, hands and arms? - ANSWERFour Sides, each side must be
scrubbed effectively
Where should hands be held once scrubbed? - ANSWERHands should be held higher than the elbows and
away from the surgical attire to prevent contamination and to allow water to run from the cleanest area down
the arm.
Once gowned, what area is considered sterile? - ANSWERIn front from the chest to the level of the sterile field
Once gowned, what is considered non sterile? - ANSWERThe neckline, shoulders, under the arms, back and
sleeve cuffs as these areas collect moisture and are subject to friction
How is open gloving performed? - ANSWERBy picking up the sterile glove by the inside of the cuff with one
hand
How is skin prepped around the operative eye? - ANSWERUsing an alternating technique of painting the skin
with the antiseptic solution and washing it off with sterile water. This is done starting with eyelids, progressing
with forehead, and finishing with the nose.
What diagnostic test would be performed for Oculoplastic Surgery? - ANSWERPhotography, external
measurements (exophthalmometry), visual field testing, optional: Schirmer testing
What diagnostic test would be performed for Extraocular muscle surgery? - ANSWERPhotography, muscle
balance
What diagnostic test would be performed for Corneal Surgery? - ANSWERcorneal topography, optional:
pachymetry, keratometry specular microscopy
What diagnostic test would be performed for Refractive Surgery? - ANSWERCorneal topography, pachymetry,
keratometry, refractometry
What diagnostic test would be performed for Glaucoma Surgery? - ANSWERVisual field testing, photography
of disc
What diagnostic test would be performed for Cataract Surgery? - ANSWERA-Scan Biometry and calculation,
refractometry, keratometry, Optional: Specular microscopy, B-Scan, ultrasound, PAM, BAT, contrast and
sensitivity
What diagnostic test would be performed for Retinal and Vitreous surgery? - ANSWERB-Scan ultrasound
Intracameral Anesthesia - ANSWERNewer method of ophthalmic anesthesia which has been explored in
anterior segment surgery. It anesthetizes the iris.
General Anesthesia - ANSWERGeneral endotracheal anesthesia is prominent in certain subspecialties where
control of the intraoperative situation is needed and long in duration.
Mydriatic Drugs - ANSWERDilate the pupil but permit the eye to focus (phenylephrine)
, Cycloplegic Drugs - ANSWERDilate the pupil and also prevents the eye from focusing (Tropicamide and
Cyclopentolate)
Miotic Drugs - ANSWERDrugs that cause the iris sphincter muscle to contract and constrict (acetylcholine,
pilocarpine)
Hyperosmotic Drugs - ANSWERClassified as diuretics, shrink the vitreous body and reduces intraocular
pressure by draining fluid out of the tissue
Fluorescein Sodium - ANSWERYellow-green dye and topical stain used for diagnostic purpose. In both strip and
solution form, it is used to stain the cornea to evaluate any disruption of the corneal epithelium.
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa - ANSWERBacterial gram-negative rods. An infectious microorganism that is the
most destructive to the eye
How many sides should you visualize for the fingers, hands and arms? - ANSWERFour Sides, each side must be
scrubbed effectively
Where should hands be held once scrubbed? - ANSWERHands should be held higher than the elbows and
away from the surgical attire to prevent contamination and to allow water to run from the cleanest area down
the arm.
Once gowned, what area is considered sterile? - ANSWERIn front from the chest to the level of the sterile field
Once gowned, what is considered non sterile? - ANSWERThe neckline, shoulders, under the arms, back and
sleeve cuffs as these areas collect moisture and are subject to friction
How is open gloving performed? - ANSWERBy picking up the sterile glove by the inside of the cuff with one
hand
How is skin prepped around the operative eye? - ANSWERUsing an alternating technique of painting the skin
with the antiseptic solution and washing it off with sterile water. This is done starting with eyelids, progressing
with forehead, and finishing with the nose.
