Scenario
Scenario
Kim Tau, a certified medical assistant (CMA) through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), has worked at Walden-Martin Family Medical (WMFM) Clinic for several years. Kim has always enjoyed working with ophthalmology and otolaryngology patients. Amy Ling was recently hired at WMFM, and Kim’s supervisor asked her to help orient Amy to the practice. Amy recently graduated from a medical assistant program and is familiar with basic eye and ear procedures, but she has many questions about her responsibilities at the clinic. Amy will be responsible for performing initial Snellen and Ishihara screening examinations on new patients and assisting the ophthalmologist and the optician in the practice. She also must become proficient in conducting audiometry screening tests on pediatric patients, performing ear irrigations, and administering otic medications. Kim recognizes that it is important for Amy to be able to perform these skills with accuracy and confidence; however, she also must develop a sensitivity to the communication and education needs of patients with eye and ear disorders.
While studying this chapter, think about the following questions :
• What is the basic anatomy and physiology of the eye and the ear?
• What are the major types of refractive errors?
• Which eye and ear disorders does Amy need to be familiar with on a routine basis?
• How is a Snellen test performed?
• What important steps should Amy follow when performing eye and ear irrigations and medication applications?
• How is an examination with an audiometer conducted?
• How should Kim prepare Amy to care for patients with sensory loss?