Patient Communication, Professionalism, and Safety
Communication
Introduce yourself, wash your hands where the patient can see, confirm identity and the reason for the visit, and explain each step before performing it. Use open body language, sit at eye level, and avoid jargon ("pressure in the eye" rather than "intraocular hypertension"). Close by summarizing the plan, using teach-back ("Can you tell me how you will use the drops?"), and asking whether the patient has questions.
Difficult situations
Dilation: explain the purpose, that blur and photophobia last 4 to 6 hours, offer temporary sunglasses, and confirm a driver. Bad news: give a warning shot, deliver information in small chunks, pause, and check understanding. Consent: state the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives in plain language, then document it.
Professionalism and safety
Respect boundaries, protect privacy, and document accurately and contemporaneously. Standard precautions: gloves when contact with blood or tears is likely, hand hygiene before and after every patient, disinfection of tonometer tips and chinrests per manufacturer instructions, and proper sharps disposal.
Worked example
A patient scheduled for dilation says she must drive home. Rather than skipping the dilation, explain the need, arrange a driver or reschedule, and provide sunglasses. Document the conversation. That response demonstrates both clinical judgment and communication skill.
Traps
Using jargon and talking over the patient. Not verifying understanding. Skipping hand hygiene in front of the patient. Not disinfecting equipment between patients. Failing to document consent or patient instructions.