1st Edition

The Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant

By Regina Boess-Lott, Sharon Stecik Copyright 1999

    The Basic Bookshelf for Eyecare Professionals is a series that provides fundamental and advanced material with a clinical approach to clinicians and students. A special effort was made to include information needed for the certification exams in ophthalmic and optometric assisting, as well as for surgical assistants, opticians, plus low vision, and contact lens examiners.

    This book contains basic guidelines and typical scenarios that the ophthalmic surgical assistant needs to know. The text begins with the operative patient, including preoperative testing and consents, and travels through the operating room experience. Topics include gowning and gloving, preparing trays and tables, and sterilization techniques. Detailed descriptions of common operative procedures such as plastics, cataract, corneal, and retinal procedures are also included. Operative notes are written on a minute-by-minute basis so the reader can become familiar with the instruments and other implements, and the order in which they are used. This text will help prepare the ophthalmic assistant for any setting, whether it be hospital or office based.

    Contents

    Dedication

    Acknowledgements

    About the Authors

    Introduction

    The Study Icons

    Chapter 1. Preoperative Counseling and Informed Consent

    Chapter 2. Ophthalmic Diagnostic Testing: An Overview

    Chapter 3. Anesthesia and Pharmacology

    Chapter 4. Disinfection and Sterilization Techniques

    Chapter 5. Preoperative Scrubbing, Gowning, and Gloving Procedures

    Chapter 6. Operative Setup, Ophthalmic Draping, and Sterile Technique

    Chapter 7. Handle with Care: Microsurgical Instrument Preparation

    Chapter 8. Oculoplastics: Lids, Lacrimal System, and Removal of the Eye

    Chapter 9. Extraocular Muscles

    Chapter 10. Cornea

    Chapter 11. Refractive Surgery

    Chapter 12. Glaucoma

    Chapter 13. Cataract

    Chapter 14. Retina and Vitreous

    Bibliography

    Appendix

    Index

    Biography

    Regina Boess-Lott, RN, CRNO received her associates degree in nursing science in 1986 from Bucks County Community College in Newtown, PA. In 1991, she achieved the status of a Certified Registered Nurse in Ophthalmology (CRNO). Regina is a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses (ASORN) and is the current Administrative Director of Clinical and Laser Services for Total Eye Care Centers, based in Levittown, PA. She has over 16 years experience in the field of ophthalmology, including comprehensive operating room and clinical care.

    Sharon Steick, also a graduate of Bucks County Community College, has been in the field of ophthalmology since 1976. Since 1990, she has held her current position as Practice Administrator at Total Eye Care Centers. A 1983 graduate of the Ophthalmic Technician’s Program at the Eye Institute of New Jersey, University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, NJ, Sharon has had the opportunity to work in both clinical and surgical care. She is an active member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators.