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Prosthetics is a specialized field of medicine that concerns itself with artificial limbs and other body parts. The design and fitting of artificial limbs is the most common field within prosthetics but it is possible to specialize even further if you want to. An ocularist is someone who specializes in artificial eyes, and is a very skilled and specialist field. The eyes are the one thing that everybody sees and so when dealing with them, the level of skill required is high indeed. If the new eye doesn’t match or is obviously artificial then the job isn’t yet done. Only when an eye fits perfectly both physically and aesthetically is the ocularists work complete. There are different sides to being an ocularist. Working in a laboratory would involve the making and finishing of the eyes and ensuring quality and fit. If you have a great eye for detail and aesthetics then they would be ideal for this kind of work. Given that an eye will have to be made to exactly match another attention to detail is essential. The eye socket is a relatively small place, so the work is fine and small scale, so excellent co-ordination and visual skills is required. It would also be beneficial to have at least some proficiency in art, as the finishing of an artificial eye is done by hand. Even modern manufacturing techniques can’t better an artist and a brush at recreating the exact finish of a human eye. If you prefer working with people then an orbital prosthetist may be more your thing. This involves working directly with patients, offering advice and information as well as doing check-ups and examinations. This face to face role would suit someone who is more hands on and good with people. It is a sensitive time, so the ability to get on with and reassure people is essential. There may be an element of counselling involved in this kind of role as you are the main point of contact for many people receiving aftercare, as well as conducting regular check-ups. Self confidence and or self esteem will be at a low point during your initial dealings with some people. This is going to have to be handled with delicacy and tact. Whichever side you prefer to work in, laboratory or face to face, prosthetics of any kind is an important and rewarding career within medicine. A specialization in ocular prosthetics is an excellent way of going a step further in helping a person recover from trauma, help them come to terms with their situation and then play a pivotal role in making them look and feel better. All medicine is rewarding in this way, but ocular prosthesis is unique in that the quality of work is visible or, if done properly, invisible for all to see. If you want to help patients regain self confidence while producing work of excellent quality then this may be the career for you. If you already work in medicine, why not speak to an ocular specialist and find out more? It might be the best move you ever make. |