As an ocularist, my day starts early. I arrive at my studio around 7:00 am, ready to start my day. My first task is to sterilize all of my equipment and make sure everything is ready for the day ahead
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Next, I review my schedule to see who is coming in for appointments. Some days, I may have a full schedule of patients, while other days may be more relaxed. No matter how busy my schedule is, I always make sure to take the time to give each patient the individualized attention they deserve.
One of the most important aspects of my job is creating custom ocular prosthetics, also known as artificial eyes. These are used to replace an eye that has been removed due to injury or disease. Creating a custom ocular prosthetic is a highly skilled and detailed process that requires both artistry and medical knowledge.
The process begins with a detailed consultation with the patient to discuss their needs and preferences. This includes taking detailed measurements of the patient's eye socket, as well as discussing the color, shape, and size of the artificial eye.
Once I have all the necessary information, I begin the process of creating the prosthetic. This involves sculpting a clay model of the eye, which is then used to create a mold. The mold is then used to cast the prosthetic eye, which is made from a special type of acrylic.
Once the prosthetic eye is cast, I carefully paint it to match the patient's natural eye as closely as possible. This requires a high level of attention to detail, as even the smallest deviation in color or shape can affect the overall appearance of the prosthetic.
After the prosthetic eye is painted and finished, I fit it to the patient and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable and natural fit.
Throughout the day, I may also work on repairing or adjusting existing prosthetics for patients who need maintenance or updates. I may also see patients for follow-up appointments to check on the fit and appearance of their prosthetics and make any necessary adjustments.
At the end of the day, I clean and sterilize my equipment and close up the studio, ready to start the process all over again the next day.
Being an ocularist is a demanding but rewarding profession. It requires a combination of artistic talent, medical knowledge, and compassion for patients. But seeing the difference a custom ocular prosthetic can make in a patient's life makes it all worth it.
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