TO THE ECPS reading this: When you got into this field, did you really know what you were getting into? Sure, you trained for the technical and medical parts of the job. But the daily chit-chat can be quite a different story.
Did you anticipate the double-meanings behind each answer? Did you predict having to work as a psychologist in addition to being an eye doctor? Did you ever think you’d unintentionally dig deep into your patients’ lives and open a Pandora’s box of life stories?
Take a look into the stories our followers have documented and reported to Overheard Optometry over the past few months. See if you can relate to any of your fellow ECPs — or perhaps even the patients.
1. When you need to take a second glance at your life and make sure you are an optometrist, and not an obstetrician.
2. Or a psychologist. Wait, pull that chair back up. No you can’t lie down on it—are you serious?
3. When your optician is equipped with a request in one witty answer.
4. Or when you realize this optician and technician can be great friends.
5. When the tables have turned and you become your patient’s patient.
6. Have you ever experienced a moment when you can’t say anything to make your patient feel better?
7. Or thought about perfecting your poker face when you’re hit with statements like this?
8. Sometimes, it may just be better to nod and smile, or pretend you didn’t hear anything.
9. Especially with comments like this…
10. When you’ve heard it all, it’s best to answer it as straightforwardly as this optometrist: