Reflection Paper

CONTEXT

My two-week Ophthalmology clerkship at Cebu Doctors' University Hospital (CDUH) was one of the rotations that surprised me the most. Before starting, I knew ophthalmology involved examining the eye and managing vision-related conditions, but I did not realize how much precision, patience, and attention to detail the specialty required. Throughout the rotation, I was assigned to the Emergency Room, Outpatient Department (OPD), Operating Room (OR), and Laser Center, where I was exposed to both common and complex eye conditions. I also had the opportunity to perform ophthalmic examinations, practice using the slit lamp, and observe procedures such as phacoemulsification and other ophthalmic interventions. What made this rotation memorable was that it allowed me to appreciate how much information can be gathered from a careful eye examination. By the end of the two weeks, I honestly found myself considering ophthalmology as a possible future specialty. Through this rotation, the following program outcomes were demonstrated: clinical competence (PO1), effective communication (PO2), and continuing personal and professional development (PO7).

EXPERIENCE

Throughout the rotation, the different clinical areas contributed to achieving these program outcomes. For PO1, every assignment in the ER, OPD, OR, and Laser Center strengthened my clinical competence. In the ER, I encountered a variety of ophthalmic complaints that required focused history taking and systematic eye examinations. In the OPD, I learned how residents carefully evaluated patients using different examination techniques and imaging studies before making management decisions. One of the highlights of the rotation was finally learning how to use the slit lamp. At first, coordinating the microscope, illumination, and patient positioning felt difficult, but with repeated practice and guidance, I gradually became more comfortable using it. Observing surgeries, especially phacoemulsification for cataracts, also helped me appreciate how detailed and precise ophthalmic procedures are. For PO2, communication became equally important throughout the rotation. Many patients came in worried because vision is such an important part of daily life. I learned that taking time to explain examination steps and reassuring patients during procedures helped make them more comfortable. Presenting cases during endorsements also improved my ability to organize patient information and explain my clinical reasoning more clearly. Lastly, for PO7, this rotation encouraged me to become a more independent learner. Almost every day introduced new conditions, examination techniques, or imaging findings that I wanted to understand better. I found myself reviewing cases after duty, reading about diseases I encountered, and trying to connect what I saw in patients with what I had learned during lectures.

REFLECTION

This rotation made me realize that ophthalmology is much more than simply checking visual acuity or diagnosing cataracts. First, I learned that clinical competence in ophthalmology depends on mastering careful examination techniques and paying attention to very small details. A subtle finding on slit lamp examination or fundoscopy can completely change the diagnosis and management of a patient. It reminded me that good clinical skills are developed through patience, practice, and repetition rather than rushing through examinations. Second, I realized that communication is especially important because many eye conditions make patients anxious. Losing vision or experiencing sudden visual symptoms can be frightening, so reassurance and clear explanations become part of treatment itself. I also appreciated how residents explained findings to patients in a way that was understandable without being overwhelming. That is something I hope to develop in my own patient interactions. At the same time, discussing cases with residents and consultants challenged me to express my reasoning more clearly and defend my assessments with confidence. Lastly, this rotation probably had one of the biggest impacts on me personally. Going into ophthalmology, I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. However, the more patients I examined, the more procedures I observed, and the more skills I learned, the more interested I became in the specialty. Using the slit lamp for the first time, interpreting different eye findings, and observing procedures like phacoemulsification made me appreciate how rewarding ophthalmology can be. By the end of the rotation, I honestly found myself considering whether this might be a field I could see myself pursuing in the future. More than anything, it reminded me to stay open-minded because sometimes the rotations we least expect become the ones that leave the biggest impression.

ACTION

First, I plan to continue practicing ophthalmic examination techniques whenever opportunities arise, especially slit lamp examination, fundoscopy, and visual assessment. I also want to strengthen my understanding of common ophthalmic diseases by reviewing interesting cases that I encountered during the rotation. Second, I aim to become more confident in explaining eye conditions and examination findings in a way that patients can easily understand. I also want to continue improving my case presentations by making them more organized, concise, and clinically focused. Lastly, I plan to keep exploring different specialties with an open mind while continuing to reflect on the experiences that inspire me the most. I also hope to build on the curiosity that this rotation sparked by reading more about ophthalmology and seeking opportunities for further exposure whenever possible.

EVALUATION

Overall, I believe I approached this rotation with enthusiasm and a genuine willingness to learn. I made the most of my assignments in the ER, OPD, OR, and Laser Center and tried to actively participate whenever opportunities were given to me. Although I know I still have a lot to improve, particularly in mastering examination techniques and recognizing subtle ophthalmic findings, I am grateful for how much I learned in just two weeks. This rotation not only strengthened my clinical skills but also changed my perspective on ophthalmology. It reminded me that precision, patience, and attention to detail can make a significant difference in patient care. More importantly, it left me with a new appreciation for the specialty and perhaps even the possibility that it could become part of my future.